What's going on at Aqua Bistro??

[PSUWethr]

This poor disturbed woman is all over Coral Bay. We have also run into her at Skinny Legs at the bar at at the Donkey Diner. She also will throw stuff at your car and spit at you. It is sad that there isn't help for this poor woman as she has some issues, but you would think that the business woners could get some type of help. But for all the times we have been at those plaevs, we hardly have seen her. I wouldn't let this stop me from going out. Lord knows we have our share of wackos here in PA!

[Robin in NC]

I'm appalled at the police response to all of these complaints. I realize this is the Caribbean, and there's a unique dynamic at work, but the utter lack of respect by the police for the rights of business owners (who pay their salary) and visitors is truly disturbing. What do they think their job is? To find expired registration stickers on rental cars? If they get one of these reports on this woman, or anyone so disruptive, they have a jail, don't they? I realize that's not the solution for her problems, but it is at least a temporary solution for the business owners' problems.

[California Girl]

There used to be a woman in San Clemente, near my town, who had the same symptoms. She was schizophrenic. She'd stand in the middle of the main street and challenge traffic. (The main street was only 2 lanes, and not that much traffic)

When she was on her meds she was a pretty nice lady, but her family could do very little to control her and make sure she took her medication. If someone could look after this woman in Coral Bay and see that she got proper medical care (which may be impossible - who knows?) she'd probably be a docile human being. She needs a hospital more than she needs a jail.

It's really a shame.

[mahojim]

Whoa.
Look out for her safety, and yours.
She's met me 12 times, one day.
Smiles-
MJ

[tjwgrr]

As the article mentions, the businesses this woman disrupts all need to file restraining orders against her. One would think the police would take the matter more seriously if this woman repeatedly violated restraining orders.

Don't know about STJ, but spitting on someone is often considered assault here because of HIV / AIDS.

Does STT have facilities to deal with mentally impaired criminals? If not, then PR?
------------------------

CA Girl- your ship, and my French Angel Fish have run aground. Are we there yet?

[Lulu76]

The descriptions people are giving remind me of Luna, but I thought she was pretty much limited to Cruz Bay. But, I know she's spit on people and broken dishes. I guess she's been banned from a few establishments, but they know it's hard to really ban anyone because of the outdoor nature of so many establishments. And when we were there in November, she was on her meds and was doing OK although we did finally give her money to go to Woody's to get chicken fingers so she'd stop eating off our plates. Whoever said it's just as important for us to look out for her as ourselves was probably right.

I remember a few months ago that someone mentioned in his trip report that someone cussed him out and threatened him with a machete at a Coral Bay restaurant and the police did not respond.

I understand there are no resources to help these mentally ill people, but that doesn't mean you ignore it, especially when people feel threatened.

Here in Nashville we have similar challenges with our homeless people who prey on tourists for help. It really makes it a challenge to increase tourism when they feel like they're being shaken down and may not be safe.

[Pia]

It is not Luna - she is still on her meds and doing good

Pia

[Lulu76]

That's good to hear, Pia. At first I thought maybe she was off her meds. She really is a kind soul, but she can't help the demons she faces when she can't get medicine.

It's frightening to me that there is nowhere for the mentally ill to get help there. I think they told us there are less than a dozen beds at the St. Thomas hospital for these conditions, so there's nothing else to do but put them back on the street.

[designbyroe]

Is it Patrina(sp). She can get rough. She did once I think with Brenda at Everyting.....
I have never seen her in Coral Bay......
It is true on island dealing with the mentally ill has not been as important as it needs to be,
I think Iris Kearn was trying to implement some programs

[dehman]

maybe they should use some of that money they got for the 6 police cars that never leave the station to help her!! Sorry, seemed like too easy of a barb to let it go!!

[silverheels]

Katrina often goes over to Coral Bay. I've seen her bathing in the swampy area on the other side of the street from Love City. Wish she could get some help.