I would have been flipping out too, had I been waiting to get on the car ferry. And I guess one of the reasons we rent vehicles on STJ is to avoid dealing with driving and related problems on STT. We've been going to STJ since the mid-80s and i honestly don't recall any rude, unpleasant, or what I would consider racist interactions during our stays there. Some local people have been friendly and pleasant, some disinterested, and the whole range in between. I've probably had my least pleasant interactions with loud, drunken tourists. In discussing the West Indian tradition of greetings, Guy Benjamin remarks something to the effect that if you greet people, that's not going to necessarily make them want to be your friend, it's just going to let them know that you were raised properly.

Gratefully, we've not had unpleasant experiences on STJ. And, really, if we kept having unpleasant interactions there, we surely wouldn't keep going back. Oh, just to disclose, I have no financial interests in the VI.

Bill H.:

The first impression is a lasting one. I am glad that Nick mentioned the difference between "friendly" and "genteel". Saying "good morning" does NOT make you anybody's pal.

You are very angry because you feel slighted and you certainly were at the car barge. I do not agree with what happened to you at Red Hook. A local even jumped to your defense, but you chose to mention it yet not let it impact your opinion that the locals are racist. There is a whole lot you do not know about Virgin Islanders, their history, and their interactions with visitors. There are some local people who are discriminatory, - but not all Virgin Islanders are as you have been made to feel.

I have returned to the hospitality industry after leaving it for almost 20 years (I am transplanted, not born here) because of the condescending, racist patterns of thought carried by the very people I was expected to serve. I am of African extraction. So, perhaps some of the attitudes you have observed are a result of that. It's no fun to be painted with a brush meant for someone else but it happens. And two wrongs do not make a right; I'm not trying to defend... merely illuminate.

Finally, I must say that many people feel that the French are "rude", but they do not consider that a character flaw... What, exactly, is "rude"? I have found Virgin Islanders to be rather reserved as a rule and slower to smile than the people on the mainland U.S., where I was born. They do not appear to find any value in affectation - the broad smiles and solicitousness that salespeople often display.

We are part of the United States, but we are distinctly different here. Those of us who like it, visit again and again or choose to stay.

We have had much the opposite experience, even during “rush” hour when so many residents are hurrying to and from their jobs, either on STT or STJ and the mail and fish truck must get on, etc. Rather than just jockeying up into the line and fighting it out with lcoals and tourists alike, we get out of the car and inquire of one of the ferry attendants whether or not we have any hope of getting on the next ferry. We let them tell us where and when to line up and have often had them help us out by holding another, more aggressive line so we can get on. Ferry attendants have let us use their cell phones to call ahead to our villa reps in STJ and, once when it was just “us girls” with a big SUV that was new to us, they even got it positioned on the ferry for us. We have found transportation on the car ferry similar to anything else service related – like trying to get a good table at a restaurant or any table at all anywhere in the world without a reservation – it’s demand and supply, and sometimes a tip helps you get on or helps you to be loaded last so you can drive off first. And, we understand that, while we are lucky to be on vacation, others are heading to their jobs or trying to get home. We’ll be back to doing that, too, when we get home.

Since our first trip to the USVI in the mid-80’s we have never had any issues. We shop the Pueblos and the Plaza Extra and have never felt what you described. I don’t know about Cold Stone, or wherever it was for ice cream, but here at home I have seen rude treatment from teens working the local DQs or 31 Flavors counters in the summer – and, of course, they are inclined to take care of their friends first – that’s the cool thing to do when there’s no manager around – lol. People are people – no matter where – paradise, or at home. Why do we expect the locals in any tourist destination to be greeters and ambassadors right out of some vintage post card? In the caribbean, I call it the “plantation expectation” - those “one happy people” ads for Aruba really feed into this and I wish they would get a new slogan. In Ireland, I call it “where the wee folk?”. Come on, it’s like expecting everyone in my home town to be packing a tommy gun in a violin case ready to shoot citizens on the street – lol – or everyone in New York to be rude. Why do we feel entitled to what we feel is the “tourist” experience instead of encountering individuals who have good and bad days – just as we do (even when we are in paradise)? Everyone in the hospitality industry is fighting for the tourist dollar and that fight to compete very often translates to employees’ salaries – just like it does in any other business. The squeeze is on – consider the air travel experience of today with that of 10 -15 years ago – and I don’t know how the tourist isn’t going to feel this. I know that vacations are important to us and that we save and save to be able to visit these beautiful places and that’s why our expectations are so high. But, I think it’s unrealistic to expect happy, happy all of the time from the front line who are often the group being squeezed the most. Do we expect this same happy attitude from the teenage checker at the local superstore at home who just got squeezed out of a 10 cents an hour raise or do most of us commiserate and cut her some slack when the eggs get put on the bottom of the bag?

We have always found friendly, helpful individuals, wherever we have traveled (even New York – lol), but we feel that the escape to paradise is within ourselves and don’t have an expectation that others around us will create it.

I agree with both sides...in a way.

I have come across many many rude locals visiting STJ over the years, but some of the other tourists are the ones that get on my nerves the most. A lot of tourists expect that just because they are on vacation, that everyone is going to be nice to them. Remember, while your car rental/villa rental companies are in the hospitality business, the car ferry company is not. I do not agree with what happened to you in any way, but I am not surprised. I do think that if things like this continue to happen, it has the potential to eventually hurt the economy.

On another note, I have several transplanted local friends in STJ and they have told me that the cirriculum in the VI schools is slanted racist toward white americans, especially when discussing the past practices of slavery. Just something to keep in mind...I have no idea if this is 100% true or not, but just something I was told by a longtime local of STJ.

The main thing that I have found is that if you show the locals that you are in no hurry and willing to do things on their schedule, then you get much better treatment. Remember, you are on vacation...if someone is rude to you, do ruin you vacation worrying about it (I'm not talking about the ferry incident.)

That is my 2 cents.

I was rasied to treat people of all colors, races and religions equally. I dont care about the skin color, or anything eles, what I do care about is the attitude of the person im dealing with. If i went into a icecream shop and got bad service, id simply ask for the manager or owners name and #, ask when he could be reached and walk out and take my buisness eles where. When I do talk to the owner, id let them know exactly why i took my buisness eles where.
One thing that crosses racial barriers is money. Im sure when im done chatting with the owner of the store about their employess he or she will not be happy. Too many people take bad service in stride,its like its expected, no big deal. Its funny, you can say,local service industry workers see so many tourist they have become insensitive and somewhat indifferent. Well, living in Texas as i do, I fly to Mexico's tourist areas atleast 10 times a year, and not once,,,not once have i had bad or rude serivce.They seem to be doing something a bit different there and thats appreciating the tourist for the buisness they bring. Ive been to Hawaii many times never bad service and they see many tourist ,,bottom line is this...there are too many nice places to see and visit, many beautiful islands, to go to, USVI or any other island does not have monopoly on this,,,there are a few islands ive been to that i refuse to visit again due to problems i expereinced while there, if you feel you've been treated unfairly, write a letter to the tourist board and then, go find somewhere eles to explore,,why go back 5 , 10 , 20 times to place thats not warm and welcoming?

After spending three weeks on STX, I cannot say I remember meeting even one rude local or native. If anything, there were rude vacationers there, but we found no other problems. (It still amazes me that people would go through all the trouble and spend all the money to get to the USVI’s and then spend it mostly drunk, belligerent and just plain rude.) You have to remember, just because YOU are on vacation, the natives are NOT, cut them a little slack. Also remember ‘island time’. If you come from a big city and are used too and enjoy the high energy hustle and bustle, you may have a hard time if you vacation in USVI. For example, the first few days we were there it quite upset me that the car in front of me continually stopped to let other cars out and pedestrians cross. That just does NOT happen in a big city! 🙂 But then I relaxed, thought about ‘island time’ and found myself doing the same thing!

As far as the black and white thing, we saw none of it. Yep, I’m sure there are some out there that live by that credo, but not my wife and I. The bottom line is this, if you treat people like human beings, like individuals and you show you care about THEIR island home, business or restaurant, then you’ll have no problems. I think a lot of problems tourists have with native people, be it USVI or other place, is that that they have an arrogance factor that says “I’m on vacation here, I’m pumping money into your economy, therefore ALL of you natives should serve and worship me.” This is a crappy attitude no matter where you are. The attitude you should have is that YOU are a GUEST in THEIR home/island and leave your superiority and arrogance back in NYC, Chicago, LA or just back on the mainland.

Bill H; I am truly sorry to hear of your bad experience with the car barge. I assure being a local that returns about twice a year, I too experience frustrations. I still get upset when a car stops in trafffic just to "chat" with a friend. But to use such a broad brush to paint with is unfair.

"Over time we have come to learn what everyone in the Virgin Islands – locals and visitors alike - already know deep inside, but few are willing to admit. The U.S.V.I. is a predominantly racist, unwelcoming society of people toward Caucasians – especially white Americans."

While you may refer to someone as local, they mght not be. They may be transplants. Not to say that there are not rude locals, believe me there are. I have encountered rude people in Panama, Vietnam, Paris, Germany etc. In Nigeria, I was asked what I was doing there? Then told to go back to America where I belonged because I was not African. I ignored that person and continued to converse with those about me that were positive. I have found kind people all over the world just like you did when the local stood up on your behalf. Because of my speech sometimes, I am taken for a "statesider" and I let those trying to treat me wrong know that I won't put up with any nonsense. I ask for managers, owners and even use the "I'll Sue" arguement. You wrote that you have been to the Islands 7 times in the last ten years. In those earlier visits, did you not see the racist attidtudes? Why did you keep returning? When I visit a restaurant that treats me badly I always give the manager the courtesy of my opinion. This gives him a chance to "make it right." If they don't. I just tell them that this is my last visit. I hope you have reflected on your coments since posted and remember why you continued to visit these beautiful islands. Peace to you and your family.

Please define "local" for me. I always assumed that a local was any person living on the islands as a permanent resident. I did not realize that you had to be black to be a local. What if you are born on STT and you have white parents. Are you not a local. What if you were born in Oklahoma and move to STJ and live there for 1 month. Are you a local because you are black?

It sounds to me that Bill H. has a ligitimate gripe. If the ferry workers had explained why they operate as they do, he may not have liked it, but he would not be as furious as he is. Maybe it is not as much a race thing, or a local thing, as it is a "system of gov." thing. Who wants to get a driver's liscense renewed, mail a package at Christmas, (why do you think there are so many mail places), go to the umployment office, etc. etc? I'm not sure who actually runs the ferries, but it seem to be run like a government agency. If the guy in charge had treated Bill like a human we would not even have this post. I don't care what color he is!!!!!

As far as rudeness in STJ......Everyone has been at least descent to wonderful to me and my family on our many trips over the years.
The only problem we ever encountered is the "resident" drivers who honk, wave their hand, finger, whatever, to us for reason we still can not figure out. We are in the right lane, observing speed limits, buckled up, and we always seem to be doing something wrong in "the residents" eye's. Driving in Cruz Bay is like driving in a stirred up ant hill. It makes no sense. People stop, pull in, park, back up, in every way possible, but when we try to do it we get blasted by the "residents".

One last thought. This "good morning, good afternoon thing seems rehearsed and phony to me because I do not speek that way. When I go into a shop on STJ I say" Hi, how are you today? What a cute shop you have?" That is my natural way to talk to people and I am not going to be phony on vacation. I am a Texas girl who is much friendlier and outgoing than a simple "good afternoon".

I love STJ and will be there this Fri. It is my home away from home. With that being said, I feel like a part time "resident" and want to express my opinions when moved to do so. Thank you for the forum to do just that.

I had a very similar situation to Bill H. with the Boyson car ferry. My husband, baby, and I rented a car in St. Thomas because we had too much luggage and baby gear to wait to get the car in St. John. We called our Villa representative and told her that we would be in St. John shortly as we were forth in line for the car ferry so she left to meet us at Cruz Bay.

As we sat and waited for the car ferry, we noticed that the other car ferry was docked and were told that the Boyson car ferry was the only one running as the other company's ferry was out of commission. At this time, we also noticed that another line of cars started to pull up to our right (both work trucks and cars) and started cutting into the line that had been waiting there for at least a half an hour. At that point, a local man behind us told us to block them out because they shouldn't be allowed to pull in front of other people. Although people in front of us tried to block them out, we sat there and watched them cut time and time again. When my husband inquired as to what the system was and state that people shouldn't be cutting, he was greeted with comments like, "I don't f'in care what you think" among other explitives. Finally, the entire ferry was boarded and we were left at the front of the line in spite of the fact that we were number four to begin with.

Once the second ferry came, a Boyson employee came and stood in front of our car and began letting more people on. At that point, we were told once again that we would not be able to get on the ferry (at this point,our villa representative had been waiting for an hour and our baby was getting extremely restless after 8 hours of travelling). We tried to ask the Boyson employee to move and to inquire as to why they would still not let us on and they were completely unreasonable. Finally, after they had loaded the side line and people behind us (including the local man who had asked us to block out the cutters),that man went to the manager of Boyson and demanded that we be put on the ferry while another tourist stood in front of the rest of the traffic until they finally agreed to let us on. In that moment, we saw the worst and the best of St. Thomas - a corrupt, unethical company and a local gentlemen willing to jump into the middle of a heated situation to help us out.

Once we were finally on the ferry, a Boyson employee then came up to us and said, "You white people." Until that moment, I never thought it was anything racial - more of an us vs. them thing with the Boyson employees - not with the locals at large. We were then told by the Boyson manager that the other barge was docked for repairs (which we new) but that we could by a $55 round trip ticket and that barge would accept the ticket as well. So, on our return trip, we boarded the other barge with our Boyson ticket. We then ran into another family that had been on the barge with us on the way to St. John - in fact, it was the tourist that stood in front of the other cars until we got on. They informed us that they went up to the Boyson ferry that was also docked at Cruz Bay and were told that they weren't leaving so they should take the other company's barge and that the round trip tickets were interchangeable by both companies. However, when they presented that ticket during our ride back to St. Thomas they (and later we) were informed that Boyson had lied to us and we would have to pay another $22 - the cost of a one way ticket on the other company's barge (and incidently, the other company only would have charge us $35 for a round trip ticket). We obviously paid the $22 as it was not the other company's fault that Boyson is an unethical company and recounted our experience with the other couple that we met on the ferry. I was so frustrated with the whole system at that point, I then voiced that after six years of going to St. John and Thomas that I wouldn't be back.

At that point, a local woman came over and told us how sorry she was that all of that happened to us and that she herself knows Boyson to be completely unethical. She told us that she really wanted us to know that we were welcome in the USVI and hoped that an unethical, racist few had not runied things for us. I assured her that my lesson learned and frustration was with Boyson and its employees and that I have met many great USVI locals over the years and she was at the top of the list.

While I do not at all think that all islanders are racist, I do agree that the employees of Boyson are (as there comments clearly stated). What is unfortunate is that Boyson, wheher geared towards tourist or not) is often one of the first and last impressions that people get when visiting St. John. It is unfortunate that a few dishonest, racist people can give less experienced USVI travels that impression that the entire island is racist and have a negative influence on tourism - a much needed part of the islands economy.

It is my hope (and that hope of the local woman that I spoke to) that more people will boycott the Boyson barge until they make changes to their system.

WOW!!!

I've read all the arguments, and can't figure out if this is a race issue or not; but I can tell you from experience that A LOT of white's will have trouble in the Virgin Islands.

Let me back up for a minute and explain something. I'm part American Indian, although I look like plain white toast. My lifetime best friend is African American, I'm the Godfather of one of his children. Furthermore, I feel like a part of his extended family. So I'm used to ethnic diversity, but not completely without racial predjudice. I doubt any of us are completely free from prejudice.

Since I grew up with a descendent of Africa during the 70's, I can relate to social injustice better than most white's. I know what it's like to be profiled by the cops. To be mistrusted by shop owners, and to be unjustly blamed for things. I'VE SEEN IT HAPPEN IN THE PAST, AND IT STILL HAPPENS TO A DEGREE IN AMERICA.

Now my experience in the VI's is that the locals will treat you with tremendous respect and kindness, as long as you give them the same. I keep returning to the USVI for that reason - the people are amazing. But there is some latent racism evident, even in the USVI.

Whenever I hear of a racial incident in the USVI, I tend to blame the White Visitor. Frankly, I think some White people should find a different place to vacation. I think A LOT of white people will be uncomfortable in the USVI.

In the USVI you will enter a world that is primarily of African descent. If you are white you will be the minority in the USVI.

Is that bad? Not at all. The Virgin Islands has a very special people that are extremely religious, very loyal to their family, prioritize education for their population, and treat strangers with dignity.

In some ways, I think those of us from the mainland could learn a thing from the USVI.

John

Thanks to all of you who took the time to share your heart-felt thoughts and feelings about our situation at the car ferry and my reaction to it. After carefully reflecting on what all of you have shared, I must admit that my anger over what occurred at the beginning of our trip may have clouded my better judgement. Much to my surprise, almost to a person none of you feel what happened was racially motivated, and, even more telling, most of you expressed that you have never experienced a situation even remotely similar to ours in your many collective experiences in St. Thomas and St. John. I would also like to apologize to the local residents among you for using a single incident to unfairly characterize an entire group of people. Reading between the lines, one positive thing that came through loud and clear in this exchange – we all share a common love and affection for the U.S.V.I. My very best wishes to everyone.

Bill- you are a classy guy! Good for you to rethink and reflect and apologize, not everyone would do that! Here's to your next, trouble free trip back to the USVIs- the islands truly are wonderful, not perfect, but hey, what is?

My take on this is:

I have crossed Pillsbury Sound hundreds of times using the barge system over the last 20 plus years. My greatest usage was 12 times a week for over a year and a half! I have seen them at their finest and worst. They can be a little gruff at times, yes, as to whether racist, I doubt it. I know Bill has retractedhis original statement. Thanks for that. There seems to be a sense of control amongst the barge, as well as ferry people. They get pleasure in making you wait and do as they say when it really isn't neccasary. This subject as been hashed over time and time again. One of these days they will realize how important customer service is, as well as how important tourism is.

I have, I am sure, on this message board and others cautioned people as how to go about using the barge. If any one or two of the barges are down, don't go, unless you have to! I have turned back several times and will continue to do so. I call a friend in STJ and ask if they know whether they are running or not, and she usually knows the answer. I then park and take the people ferry. This usually works for me as I borrow her car on the other side. If you think getting on in STT is bad on those days, you can't imagine getting on in STJ to come back in the afternoon. What a horror!

The person who says they got out of the car and talked to the agent did the right thing. This gives you somewhat of an 'in' with them. Again, the control factor. You have realized that she or he is in charge and she appreciates that! Arguing and carrying on won't help at all!

I will also like to caution those on the people ferry on their return M-F from Cruz Bay. Don't do it anytime between 3 and 5. This is when all of the uncouth contruction workers return to STT after a days work. Already spoke with the STJ Administrator and he said they are trying to figure a way for it to be better. Until then, come back at 2pm or 6pm!

Speaking of uncouth people. Oh no, that's a whole new ballgame!
Take care,

Ronnie

I too have experienced the line-butting at Red-hook but assumed that unwritten social costum I too have experienced the line-butting at Red-hook but assumed that unwritten social custom supported this as commercial interests (commuters, cement trucks, school children) are on a tight time schedule while tourists are not. I lived in Peurto Rico for a couple of years and was early on lectured about “island time”. When I return to the islands for vacation, I switch to island time and like the Australians, take an attitude of “no worries”

To the dude who defended north “jersey” and NY rudeness, I reply that yes they are more curt, pushy and rude than people from the surrounding states. I have a vacation home in the Pocono mountains of North Penna. and I like to wave at passing cars and inwardly laugh at the stone-faced non-response I get from cars with NY (city) plates. I don’t believe these people have inherently sour dispositions but rather I think it is the result of too-many interpersonal encounters in a crowed society. One cannot wave, smile & personally great hundreds or thousands of people every day nor can one stand still and let those multitudes move ahead in life’s competitions (parking space, position in check lines, time in conversation, or even waiting for the next ferry).

I have been traveling to the USVI for all of my life (I'm pushing 40). As a matter of fact, as a child, I lived there, twice. STT was my first home, as my father held a gov't position on two separate terms. I am biracial (black and white), so white people normally think I'm white - but blacks can tell I'm black. So, here's my perspective on rudeness....

I'll start by saying that I have never LIVED on the islands as a adult. But, my parents haven always commented on how badly the tourists have treated the islanders. My mother worked in Cardow part-time, and has so many stories about things tourists would say to her. Mind you, she was a well educated woman, wife of a gov't official and pretty much only worked to have something to do while we were in school and becaus she loved the jewelry.....so it was interesting for her to experience the lack of manners and blatant disrespect imparted upon her by the tourists, *especially* (as she always notes) the cruise ship passengers. She has always said the people who come by plane are more respectful and tolerant - and seem to have more of a genuine love and concern for the island. But, the ship passengers - ugh! Ok, so that's one perspective.

Now, flip the coin. I, as an adult, began to return to STT/STJ for vacations. I can say that I *do* find *some* of the islanders very hard to deal with. Because I work in a field that makes use of my personality and "people skills" I have begun discussions with some of the people who give me the most trouble - to try to get "under" what's going on. What I've found is that most of them are NOT from the USVI. They are "down islanders" - people who come to STT from other island (St. Kitts, St. Vincent, etc) to work and take advantage of the booming tourism. But, this is NOT their island, they don't have deep roots, they aren't really "part" of the tapestry that is the USVI, so they don't care! What I've also found is that those islanders who are rude to tourists, are, in many cases, also rude to each other. It's their culture. They would deny ever being rude becuase they don't see it that way. Being "rude" is relative. Have you ever sat and listened to a group of islanders talk to each other - the yelling and gruff attitude would amke you think these people are bitter enemies preparing for a battle. They're not! This is their culture. Not everyone is this way - but it might help toursist to take things in context. You can't compare the attitude of people in a place like the USVI to the attitudes of people in the states - the cultures are different.

As afar as the friendly island greetings go, I give them. Sometimes they are met with a cheery greeting in return. Sometimes my greetings are met with mumbles and frowns. I can't sweat it and nobody else should. I disagree with people saying that you need to chat it up with Boyson. Look, I don't need to work THAT hard anywhere! Going on vacation to the USVI is not my paying job!! If I want to work, bow and scrape and kiss people's A$#, I'll go to work (and get paid handsomly for it). When I come to STT/STJ, I'll be pleasant, but if the pleasantry isn't returned, my job is done. As far as Boyson is concerned, they need to get their act together before someone else gets the support to establish a non-commercial barge company. If Boyson can't handle the tousing public, they need to retreat form that line of business and hand it over to someone more capable.

I really think tourists should becareful to make the distinction between blatant rudeness (which DOES exist) and a general cultural difference. I know it's ahard to do...and those of ou who are new to USVI travel may not be able to tell the difference because you haven't experiences enough of the culture to know when someone is really being rude or not. Likewise, islanders need to realize that the way people deal with other people on the islands IS different than the way we deal with each other in the states. In many cases, you DO come across as rude...even when you don't mean to. I'm not saying that should change, because that IS your culture. But, be mindful when you are dealing with a tourists. If someone is taken aback by your tone, understand why.

As far as the NY/NJ thing....when NY and NJ start relying on tourism as their #1 industry, we'll worry about those attitides. And, by the way (as someone who commutes to NY for work - from PA), when NYers are rude, I blast them back. I don't expect islanders will want to be blasted back the way NYers are. If I talked to sialnders the way I talk to NYers, you all would probably put me on next plane of the island. NYers also run their business with flawless effeciency. And, NYs tourism industry is "bow and scrape" to the extreme. So, while the general NYer *might* (many are) not be the kindest person, the tourism industry has perfected the art of service.

Bottom line - we cannot control everyone and everything. Tourists come and go - too many to "teach" how to engage with islanders. So, we have to focus on the islanders. After all, this is YOUR income - your bread and butter - the money that will educate your children and sustain your families for generations to come. The smile is the universal symbol of kindness. Use it...and if it isn't returned, so what. The person is STILL paying to be there....and that should be enough to make you smile. If you don't want to smile and can't be bothered wth a little kindness to the industry that sustains you...then don't cmplain when people come on here and blast the islands for the crap that goes on....and it does go on.

I don't think it's racist....as it happens to me, too. Many who arei n the service industry haven't leanred the art of service. It doesn't make them bad people....they're just bad at what they do.

This might be a way-off suggestion and you might all think I'm nuts. But, I think the office of tourism should sponsore more mandatory training for those who work with the public - and an incentive program for good performance. Maybe small gift cards that can be used for coffee, ice cream, mcdonalds, etc....hotels and villa agencies can hand them out to tourists to be given to islanders every time someone serves you well. You would have to be an islander to use the coupons. Maybe they would say "thank you for taking such good care and helping to boost your island's tourism dollars - here's a special thank you". I would love to hand them out to those who do a nice job. Then again, I would also love to leave frowning face cards for people who treat me like crap - like the lady at subway who yelled at me for coming in and placing such a large order without calling ahead. Mam, I'm so sorry for giving your store too much business that day - but, eh, it was only 5 sandwiches...and last time I checked, you weren't GIVING them away for free! -frown card for her - with a referral for training.

I really think islanders should be more concerned. This is the information age. In years past, these undercurrents of poor service and rudeness wouldn't be passed along to other potential tourists because there was never a method to massively share such information. But, now, as more and more people steer away from the old "Frommers" guidebooks and more towards venues like this for information on destinations, these stories WILL drive tourism dollars down. This is a new age....and if the issues aren't addressed soon, the impact will be devastating. Native islanders need to be the catalyst for change - and need to take a hard stance against the crap that is taking money right out of your pockets and food off of your table.

APPLAUSE to Bluwater for his informative post!!! Until he mentioned it I had forgotten that a friend who has lived and worked in the USVI for the past 13 years in a store that has a bustling trade with tourists and locals alike has frequently said the same thing about some tourists and especially cruise ship passengers. The stories she can tell actually shock me about how rude some visitors can be.

I have also made several close West Indian friends, some even from other islands. I too was struck by an attitude I would describe as aloof, rather than rude, when I first met them but I've come to love these people as if they were family and we talk on the phone all the time now.

Hey Bluwater! My hat’s off to you and your customer service attitude. I work in a large hospital in Dallas, and I can assure you that customer service is extremely important, especially in today’s Health Care Industry. I teach customer service to our employees here, and I tell them the only reason for people to come to our hospital, or make referrals to our hospital, or to come back for healthcare here……..simply put, is THEM!

You do not have to work in the hotel industry, or in the restaurant business to know how important good customer service is. You also have to know that being a good customer is just as important! It is a good idea to have employees go through a customer service training program, but just as important, they must practice what they learn. We hand out “I caught you doing something right” cards here all the time. If you find someone doing a good or outstanding job, TELL THEM. If not, maybe a gentle note or reminder to the manager is in order.

My point is, Bluwater, want to open an eating establishment with me on the Island? I think it would be great, and with the added great customer service, we would have to turn folks away!! I was thinking maybe a Wing Stop or something….(just kidding).

Anyway, all seriousness aside, thanks for your perspective on the “culture shock” we all experience when we travel outside our own small worlds!

Ferry from STJ to STT~ Not sure if it was racism. Think it is just clueless management. We got hung up in a very similar mess on STJ on Apr.25 or 26. One ferry was out of service. We waited on line for about 45 mins. It happened to be 4 or so in the afternoon. The car ahead of us was loaded, the police told us to drive up the hill and around the block and get back on the line for the next boat. We had had enough and didn't, but the parking lot was chaos and everyone was fighting. It was ugly and the police just left. I was pretty disappointed. Ferries are a part of life where I live, and they handle thousand or more cars on a busy summer day, very organized. And the majority of the users are those rude and demanding New Yorkers everyone puts down. Go figure.

Very eloquent and to the point! Nice job. I wish I could get my thoughts across as clearly,about anything.