Just heard about it. People seem to forget that notwithstanding the idyllic landscapes, beautiful beaches and posh resorts, there is a lot of poverty on many of these Caribbean islands and where there is poverty, there is crime.

I just read the article. Very upsetting indeed. I agree with VinoTinto that there is extreme poverty in paradise, a fact that should not be overlooked. Plus the increase in tourism to these destinations helps to create this trouble. Probably these islands will have to beef up their police force to provide more protection for tourists and locals alike. People visit the islands to relax and to escape politics, war, crime, and everyday stress. If the tourist trade drops off in the Caribbean it could spell disaster for the islands.

The caribbean is a very dangerous place. Many murders, kidnappings 7 rapes occur but because of all the different island governments the crimes are not apparent. The wide use of date rape drugs on tourists is unbelievable.

I would not be surprised if it turns out that a date rape drug was used on Natalee. The dangers of these drugs are seriously exacerbated where the victim has been drinking heavily. Like all drugs, when taken under the heavy influence of alcohol, they can cause death.

LOL, Mikey, where on earth did you get that info? I am not disputing that they may be used there but the date rape drugs got their origins in the US when some malicious predators found out that using animal tranqs would keep a person in a semiconscious state while erasing their memory. I have personal experience with this happening on a holiday in San Diego some 23 years ago. It's use against women is not new and its not exclusive to Islands.

Nyer...yes I heard about this, this morning.We were just in St Thomas on June 1st and 7th and on to St John.I have heard that the crime in the USVI's is the worst on St Thomas.Sounds like this one could have been a case of the wrong place at the wrong time.

The "date rape" drug is used everywhere...even on college campuses all across the US.

Heck, a friend of mine said he saw a couple russian guys slip some powder into his drink while on business in england. They had been trying to make friends with him for about an hour or so before hand. Lord knows what they were planning.

vino:

I have wondered that myself and also have wondered about her being taking to a brothel.I know that we should not speculate however,after some time now that she has been missing...its hard not to.I really hope that the truth comes out.