To think the Caribbean isn’t that safe?

[Senderandme]

My DH and I want some winter sun over Xmas hols. We have a 4 year old. My DH wants to go somewhere ‘really hot’ so ha suggested the Caribbean but I can’t help but think I’d end of worrying about my child’s safety when I’m there. AIBU? Are there any places people have been before that they felt safe in and would recommend? TIA

We’ve been to Antigua and Barbados quite a few times and felt safer than in a lot of parts of the UK

Its common to see people asleep on loungers on public beaches with their belongings next to them, or people going for a swim in the sea while leaving their phone, bag etc on the beach
People leave bags over the backs of chairs in restaurants- I wouldn’t do that in the UK

There is crime there, obviously, but none of it seems to be targeting tourists, and they don’t seem to be countries where you smell weed in public places so there isn’t that background sense of crime

Also no beach hawkers, or people trying to sell you stuff in public places

DH is Jamaican and we’ve been several times over the last 30 years. Last time we went was 2018 we said we wouldn’t go back, really felt uncomfortable - and we lived in a rough part of East London. Admittedly we stayed with family away from tourist areas and if anyone was going I’d say stay in the resort and only go on organised trips especially if taking children.

We visit a friend who’s married to a Tobagonian and we’ve always felt safe there, despite all the good natured joking DH gets for being from Jamaica.

I think she was suggesting it as an alternative to the Caribbean ("much cheaper and less jet lag").

I've been to the Caribbean may times - Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten and British and American Virgin Islands. I've never felt unsafe in any of these places. Barbados is lovely, something for everyone.

I've been to Dominican, Jamaica & Mexico.
Perfectly safe and wouldn't hesitate to let take kids

Cuba is great. We felt absolutely safe wherever we went.

The whole of the Caribbean is not full of 'grim places'. You can also get raped and robbed anywhere in the world

Not if you want to visit the US!

🙄

Jamaica is fab, we hire our own car and drive around and have never had any bother. Admittedly I wouldn't be driving around at night. Perfectly safe in the all inclusive resorts if you'd prefer not to go out.
Don't listen to the narrow minded people who believe that all black people must be murderers and rapists.

So the Caribbean isn't civilised? How offensive.