Times are tough all over so if you were thinking of avoiding the madness by escaping to a Caribbean island…think again.

The economic downturn has rippled it’s way through the Caribbean Sea, sending waves of whoa onto each and every island.


Oh, sure, private planes and mega yachts still deliver the uber-rich like our neighbor in the anchorage, the world’s largest sailing vessel, Maltese Falcon. The grandest hotels, although not full, seem to be staying busy. Cruise ships continue their rounds bringing fewer guests yet enough to swell the islands they frequent. Tourism is alive but droopy. People are spending money but doing so with care.

As everywhere, it’s the little guy who’s been hit the hardest, the small business owners who are clinging to hope or were forced to shut down. We see a lot of price slashing signs around. In Phillipsburg, St. Marten, the long string of jewelry stores are having bling wars, each one trying to grab more customers by increasing their discounts. 25% off, 40% off, 50% discounts on down (or up) to 80% off. Now if those reductions are legitimate, that’d be a heck of a price cut on a $10,000 bracelet or ring!

In November I wrote about Mario, the Hot Dog Man, a hardworking street vendor selling $2 hot dogs and $1 beers, something surely anyone could afford. We found him recently in his usual spot in St. Marten but without the cart. “Hey, Hot Dog Man, where’s the dogs?” I asked.




“I wasn’t makin any money!” he said. “Da people walk by an dey jus ain buyin.“ Disappointed but undaunted, he re-tooled his business by ditching the cart and setting up a table in the same spot to display and sell the palm frond bowls and birds he creates right there. Still smiling I watched him greet passing tourists, answering their many questions, still St. Marten’s friendliest ambassador.

Perhaps the secret to success is diversification, like the highly painted place in Gingerland on the island of Nevis. Clarke’s One Stop Restaurant and Sports Bar seems to have it all…bread, pastries, groceries, pool room, Mac and Cheese and plenty of customers.

















If for some reason you don’t find what you need there, there’s always the John E. Howell Pansy Parris Plaza where you can shop for fashion, ointments, household utensils, supplies and stationary while you “top up” your phone. Now that is truly a “Super Selection.”







Some West Indian enterprises seem to be holding their own despite a simple stock. The Ice House in Jost Van Dyke backs up their main event with some local jams and jellies but it’s the cold stuff that keeps them going.




Dany’s Hair Fashion is doing well but, really, that’s a business with job security. And, of course, all the little rum shops that dot each island like freckles are as busy as ever because finally, people have a reason to drink.