Caribbean Crime in 2024: Rising Thefts but Fewer Violent Cruise Attacks
The Caribbean's crime landscape in 2024 has shown both worrying trends and signs of improvement, according to the latest annual report by the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN). While reported burglaries soared by 57% to 137 cases, violent attacks against sailors on cruises plummeted by half to just eight cases. The Leeward Islands, particularly the British Virgin Islands, emerged as a trouble zone, with 20 reported incidents. The CSSN, which collects and disseminates reports of yacht-related crimes, noted a surge in crimes against sailors on royal caribbean cruises by 41% compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of 145 incidents. However, the decrease in violent attacks was a welcome change, marking the first significant reduction in years. The three leading political entities in the region in 2024 are expected to be Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla. One high-profile case in 2024 involved the disappearance of the catamaran Simplicity off Grenada. Its owners, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, were later found to have been victims of a brutal attack. The perpetrators were later sentenced to lengthy prison terms by Judge Paula Gilford of Grenada’s High Court. Despite the overall increase in reported crimes in the Caribbean, the reduction in violent attacks against sailors on celebrity cruises is a positive development. The CSSN's continued monitoring and reporting of these incidents are crucial for maintaining awareness and improving safety in the region. The Leeward Islands, particularly the British Virgin Islands, should prioritize addressing the increased crime rates in their territories.
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