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Editorial
On numerous occasions recently I have been asked why Del Sur doesn’t
report on incidents of crime in the area. My standard response is that
we are trying to promote tourism and not scare anyone away. However;
More than one visitor has told me that they would not have visited a
certain beach or particular area had they been aware that those areas
were known (to locals) as problematic. I was reminded that tourists
look to the locals and the local news to inform them of the good as
well as the bad. They are, of course, quite correct. We all have a responsibility
to make sure our visitors are informed and leave with a positive impression
of the San Juan del Sur area and of Nicaragua. First though, let’s
put it all in perspective.
Many tourists
read the travel guides which say that Nicaragua is one of the safest
countries for tourists. The real message should be; Nicaragua is as
safe as many countries and San Juan del Sur is as safe as any town or
city, IF you apply some common sense. Some of the items tourists carry
on vacation have taken several months and a lot of cash to accumulate.
It makes sense then to spend some time, thought and maybe a little more
money protecting them. Thieves shop at the “Easy Touch Store”.
They steal from us because we let them (or at least sometimes we make
it easy for them).
I’m talking here about the numerous incidents of petty theft and
minor crime that could have been avoided by leaving your valuables in
a lock box or hotel safe. You’re on vacation, relaxed and having
fun. Maybe your guard is down, but no one can steal what you don’t
have on you. Remember, a digital camera can be sold for a month’s
salary here. If you leave your months salary in cash on a bar, beach
or bus anywhere in the world, will it still be there when you come back
from the washroom? So lets all “do our bit” to try and eliminate
the preventable crime and maybe there will be more time, resources and
interest available to deal with the more unpreventable incidents. Crime
is a world problem, not a Nicaraguan problem.
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