I sincerely hope that the police will get a result quickly. Regarding the recent questioning I hope it is not just an action to round up the usual suspects.

My husband and two teenage daughters have just returned from a fabulous and very relaxing two week holiday in Antigua. However, on Saturday last my two girls and I paid a visit to St Johns to do some duty free shopping, and were walking thru the market when someone was shot in broad daylight on the other side of the street from us. My daughters panicked (the crowds around us were also panicking!) and I have to say that it took all my strength to remain calm and to keep walking.

We were nervous wrecks by the time we got back to the hotel, and the staff were marvellous to us. I get the feeling that the Antiguans are extremely proud of their Island and are horrified about what is happening on the Island at the moment. It seems that there is a growing problem with drugs and the influences are coming in from other islands like Jamaica.

We had a fantastic time, and although we were very unnerved by the shooting, we would not hesitate to go back to Antigua, as it is a beautiful place and the Antiguans that we met and talked to were wonderful. We had use of a hire car, and explored the island thoroughly, and had not felt threatned or intimidated at any time. The island needs our support.

The best advice I can give people is to do your research on these islands before you book. Some have problems with crime.

Having travled through out the carribean I would def. not hesitate to go back to Antigua. We just got back on the 27th from our 11 day trip. Yes crime is on the rise in Antigua as well as every where in the world. That being said it pays to always be careful no matter where you travel. The crimes are more ofetn than not against fellow Antiguan's. My prayers go to the families of their victims. Let's not write off Antigua just yet-If that was the case no one would ever come to my home stae of New York. Always research your holiday destination before you go that way you are better prepared and can take the necessary precautions. We are already planning our trip next year to Antigua and can't wait.

Parrothead82

Given the number of islands in the Caribbean, it is truly unlikely that I will ever visit Antigua and Jamaica again. I have visited both islands and have personally experienced unpleasant criminal activity at both. The influence of drugs, gangs and violence is spreading through the islands. Residents can only keep quiet for so long before they recognize that the 1% of their population (criminals) is impacting on the decisions of others to visit their island. With tourism dollars needed, friends/families of the 1% must speak out or their island will continue to retain their "don't visit" reputation. I realize it's not a simple problem, but resolution must start with the residents.