Boycott The Virgin Islands In Memory of Jamie Cockayne....

amen

www.tripadvisor.com is deleting posts related to this murder as well as other st. john's crime messages in their forums

ask them why they are doing this: support@tripadvisor.com

TripAdvisor's mailing address is:
464 Hillside Ave. Needham, MA 02494 USA

His family is on Fox TVs Greta Van Sesteren right now

by the way www.tripadvisor.com is removing ALL messages pertaining to this murder - this istheir excuse, please post on other VI sites so people know they can't be trusted to tell travellers the truth:

Dear TripAdvisor Member,

Our forums are intended as a place where members can share information
on a wide variety of travel subjects in a friendly and constructive environment.
We specifically ask that forums members stay on-topic and post respectfully when
writing messages to be published on the forums. We will remove messages that
contain descriptions of injuries or death by criminal act or accidents; these
messages are not considered family-friendly or travel-related.

Discussions about safety at a destination are considered travel-related, but we will
remove all messages that include racist or culturally-insensitive remarks, calls for
boycott of the destination, attempts to use our site to organize protests
against the local political system or social infra-structure, or calls for US or
any other nation's intervention into criminal investigations.

Sincerely,
Jane
TripAdvisor Support Team

I live in the Virgin Islands and I cant deny the fact that the government down here is very slack. I just finished watching the session on CNN and the defender in Miami stated that The Virigin Islands should let the family know that they dont have the experience needed to solve this crime and that WE DONT HAVE MANY MURDERS DOWN HERE so we wouldnt know what to do anyway.. I as a youth growing up in the v.i took this to offense because i've seen things down here that you would rarely see in New York, its just like Compton here, if somebody wants you dead, you gonna be dead, point blank. So dont blame it on their "inexperience" the guys at the police department simply cant do anything without the help of some FBI from the states to help them..shameful :(

Where to begin? You know, as I sit here and listen and watch at the continual national news reporting and the continuous blogging and posting by folks who knew this young man, I cannot help but feel for his family and friends. There isn't a single thing that can be said that will ever alleviate the pain of loosing a child, especially in this manner. I think that all the we're sorry's we could utter would never be enough. But when has it ever been. I'm sure I could site a litany of cases both in this region and abroad (U.S.) INCLUDED, where cases have been on going for years before "justice" was served.

Let's face it; this is the world we live in. And no one can argue with that. Senseless acts are committed everyday by all kinds of people. People on the streets, people in uniform, case in point the GI that just got sentenced for rape and murder, even the priests who've molested children, mothers and father who abuse and neglect their children, I could go on, but I think you get the point. None of it makes sense, and not even half of these crimes are solved. What was it that happened a few months ago? After living out most of his disgusting, putrid life fancy free, some turd and I don't even remember his name, finally got prosecuted for the malicious murder of 14yr old of Emmett Till. How long ago was that? The world is rife with violence and it's not getting any better.

Yet for some reason, people get the idea that when they come to an island, they can just go around doing whatever they want because surely nothing bad ever happens here-we are so "simple" you know-. Well, when one of you people finds a place where there is no crime, no violence and the perfect Alice in Wonderland world, let me know-I'd like to move there. But ah, if we remember, Alice sure enough was running from something in the end there and begging to go back home to the life that she knew.

Tourism sure, but among the things that this place has become famous for, is its retention of life "drop outs". These folks come here, mostly continentals after all, this is U.S. Territory, and they contribute nothing to this society but more derelicts-We have our own thank you very much and don't need anymore-but what the hell-everybody needs a place to call home. This is a place where one can live and survive even though they can barely function. I guarantee you that most of these folks cannot live on the mainland the way they do here. They would probably all be dead by now. They are allowed to live their lives the way they please, we don't care, it's none of our business. Just have some symbolism of respect for your newly acquired home. As always no matter where you go, that's not an easy thing for some people.

The island is small, but not everybody knows everybody as is lead to believe. However, chances are you probably know someone who knows the person you are looking for. So in that respect, it can become somewhat of a fish bowl at times. I didn't know Jamie Cockayne. I'd never seen him, or met him before and I live and work on this Island. Of course I'm not a seafarer, so I don't hang out with that crowd. And I don't usually hang out in bars at midnight either. Not that this is an unusual activity around here, but as we all know, the later it gets, usually the more chance of something unsavory happening.

It is widely said that this young man was prone to the behavior which was exhibited on the evening/early morn of his brutal slaying. He had been observed on several different occasions BONKED out of his mind. Now alcohol is a major libation here, it's cheaper than food unfortunately, but I don't think that's what they were talking about. It is curious to me that a young man known to be calling himself "Captain Cocaine"-obviously a play on his last name (check myspace references), but come on-is allegedly brutalized by someone who is known in the community for petty dealing of narcotics. Of course none of this has been blasted over CNN, FOX, Larry King, Philly Future......Several people saw him, hours before this incident, and he was definitely not in a good way according to what is being said. I know, I know, hearsay, but to dismiss these reports, I'd have to dismiss the reports of what people had to say about any of the events that occurred leading up to this heinous act. Was an autopsy ever performed on Mr. Cockayne? And if so, what were the results? Haven’t heard anything about that either.

I say these things not to at all intonate that Mr. Cockayne deserved what happened to him. NOT SO. However, it is noteworthy to acknowledge that what happened to Mr. Cockayne did not happen in a vacuum. I'm not sure much of anything ever does. It is most likely, although not asserted, that Mr. Cockayne was engaged in some activity which may not have been conducive to his health in one way or another.

As far as the investigation goes, everyone keeps citing Natalie Holloway. I remember that event, anybody can go grab people off the streets, but will the charges stick. As it was, they arrested two innocent men and charged them with murder, and eventually had to let them go. Where is the sympathy for them and their families. Still to this day, no body has been found, and apparently that hasn't deterred Aruba's tourism number line. It pays to be safe and unfortunately, a lot of people loose their inhibitions the moment their foot touches the sand. Looks like that is what happened to Ms. Holloway. I can't say the same for Mr. Cockayne-he'd been here long enough to figure his way around. If I go to east bumble Iowa, I'll be weary, you know why? I'm not familiar with the place. Personally, it is my hope that every single murder, robbery, assault....any crime be investigated and burden proved so that that the person(s) responsible pay. That fantasy world does not exist either.

St. John is a touristy place-in my mind too much so. Not my call. We have our share of criminal activity. But in most instances, people are okay, as long as they are minding their own business and not putting themselves in places or situations that are seedy. For the people who want to boycott STJ, if you are boycotting because you wouldn't feel safe here after what happened, what can I say-I can understand that. But I dare you to visit anywhere else and not find some kind of horrible occurrence that just happened before you got there which may make you think twice before going. If you are boycotting because you truly feel like the police hasn't done enough to help find Mr. Cockayne's murderer(s) I can understand that too. But then what? If the case is solved, are you planning your next trip to STJ? why would you?

However, if you are boycotting because your smug, superior attitude gives you the impression that somehow or another this wouldn't happen where you are. THEN GOOD STAY AWAY!!! PERMANENTLY!!! That Crap nobody needs.

It would appear from the outside that justice is not served. Indeed this is true. A case with so many facets is often not solved in a few weeks. The investigators will need to speak with people who had been in contact and known both the victim and the accused. Having been a resident of the Virgin Islands for 15 years, I have had the opportunity of seeing many such actions of this sort in the past. The character of the accused will come out in the investigation as soon as the people who know them feel comfortable talking to the authorities. This also stands true for the people who may have known the victim. The true character of the victim will become evident as people feel more comfortable speaking to the authorities. I am not about to pass judgment on the victim. But In my experience in matters of this sort I have found that the victim is often an antagonist in his own demise. I have many friends here and I myself frequent these same places with the same people. The people that I know who get into arguments and fights in drinking places all share one common characteristic. They cannot control their tempers when they drink alcohol, and they often get into arguments while intoxicated. While this does not justify the killing of a human being, intelligence and self control have helped myself and my friends to avoid situations like this one.

It would appear from the outside that justice is not served. Indeed this is true. A case with so many facets is often not solved in a few weeks. The investigators will need to speak with people who had been in contact and known both the victim and the accused. Having been a resident of the Virgin Islands for 15 years, I have had the opportunity of seeing many such actions of this sort in the past. The character of the accused will come out in the investigation as soon as the people who know them feel comfortable talking to the authorities. This also stands true for the people who may have known the victim. The true character of the victim will become evident as people feel more comfortable speaking to the authorities. I am not about to pass judgment on the victim. But In my experience in matters of this sort I have found that the victim is often an antagonist in his own demise. I have many friends here and I myself frequent these same places with the same people. The people that I know who get into arguments and fights in drinking places all share one common characteristic. They cannot control their tempers when they drink alcohol, and they often get into arguments while intoxicated. While this does not justify the killing of a human being, intelligence and self control have helped myself and my friends to avoid situations like this one.

see this comment: http://www.phillyfuture.org/node/5544#comment-9336

Virgin Islands Tom, please don't post the SAME comment everywhere multiple times. Truly, once will suffice. When you post the same stuff on multiple posts, it is like SPAM

thanks

PS it would also be helpful if guest posters waited to see if their posts were posted instead of immediately reposting the same comment multiple times if they don't get instant gratification. (this is one reason why our webmaster only allows registered users to post)

I have been visiting the Virgin Islands for 30 years. I have visited at least once each year, twice during more recent years -and have always stated for several weeks.

I have made friends in these islands. It has become like a second home to me.

That being said, I believe a boycott is now appropriate. My island friends agree. They feel that the islanders have done all they can to overcome the crime and corruption. The islands are dangerous, and are becoming more so with each passing year.

Crime is not punished. The National rate of crime colvency (crimes that are solved) is something like 60% in the US. In the VI, it is closer to 30%. Homicides particularly common in the VI.

I offer this article from 2004, written in the ST Thomas Daily News, entitled "Murderer's Paradise". http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_dforce?id=512120

Read the chilling details of who is being killed and how. Read about the restaurant patron who was shot during a robbery. He was sitting there, and was killed as the robbers left with the money from the register.

I can point to accounts of shootings of visitors on beaches, in hotels, outside of hotels, and so on. None of them have been solved. And, to make things worse, those victims' families had the same experience of the Cockaynes.

To add insult to injury, once the Police do take action, the legal system fails. Criminals are let go. Look at the Cockayne murder. The alleged killer is out on $7500. bail with an ankle bracelet - and has been ordered to get a job. A job!! This was not after a trial. It was after a detainment hearing. He was let go and told to get a job - and now he is free on the streets of St John, the Murderer's Paradise.

The press is reporting that the local Tourism Bureau has enacted their Crisis Plan. Yes that's the focus now. The VI has gone into CYA mode. They want to cover this up and let the killing continue, as long as the visitors don't hear about it, everything will be fine.

It isn't fine. It is time to stop visiting. Go someplace else until something changes in the Virgin Islands. Do it in Jamie's memory, and in the memory of all of the others who have been killed without justice down there. And, do it for yourself and your family. It just isn't safe anymore.

I am one person that will be back to St. John. I'm am sorry for the Cockayne's, and for their lost. But this inccident will not stop me from going to St. John. How many murders happend all over, and you never hear boycott this state or that state. How many murders go unslove for so many years. Now this boy is killed, and you want to boycott St. John. PLEASE!!! The attempted boycott on Aruba didn't work, and I highly doubt that the attempted one for St. John will. There is too many other things, and more drastic things going on in the mainland right now. Not that I am saying that the boys murder is not important. But any way you put it, people in general will be up in arms, and in a while, it will calm down. I've been to other boards, and slowly the threads are dieing down. I hope that the killers are served their justice.

But when it's all said and done, I will be back to enjoy my Painkiller on the white sandy beaches of the Virgin Islands, and will feel just as safe as I've always been.

I'm one of the mainlanders who came to live in the VI -- not as a degenerate, but for a job, at which I work very hard. I respect the culture, have made efforts to get involved with the local population, patronize local merchants and don't condescend to anyone. We mainlanders are somewhere between tourists and locals, and the tensions don't make it easier.
My first experience with the police was when I stupidly gave a ride to a couple and they relieved me of my wallet. I reported it and the police kept me there for 2 hours, laughing at me, my clothes, etc.
My home -- my "dream cottage" in a small residential area with both VI natives and expats, was burglarized three times. The third time I was home and the guy knew I was home and he assaulted me in ways I don't really want to put into words. When he left he stole my car. The hospital called the police, which is how I got involved in this (first two burglaries the police came but didn't take prints or anything but a report.
Although the police supposedly put out an APBon my car, it was recovered only when someone who knew me and the car happened to see it, visible from a major road, and called them. That was a week after I was robbed and assaulted.
In March I was told that the police chief himself wanted to assure me that there were promising leads. By June I was told that I was just too stupid to understand police work -- they can't do anything that would jeopardize the investigation, I don't understand police work, I watch too much TV, etc.
By July it was my fault I was assaulted -- no one elsein that neighborhood ever had a problem. Always blame the victim.
Since then I found many people witht he same problem. Last month a coworker woke up and found a man in her bedroom with a knife. She has been here long enough that she didn't even call the police because she knew they wouldn't do anything.
Maybe it is just the attitude expressed in that comment -- mainlanders want to come here and who cares what happens to them? That's certainly what was said in the Senate -- get for security, "especially for locals."
But I think the "locals" also suffer from police incompetence and arrogance -- two recent murders of locals also are unsolved and probably always will be. A 60-year-old man, a VI native and military veteran, gets killed at a hotel at 9 in the morning and the robbers/killers just drive away? Manhunt doesn't start until they get a helicopter in from Puerto Rico? Give me a break.
I am a hardworking person who doesn't go to bars at night, doesn't get into verbal confrontations with anyone and works and pays taxes in the VI. Tell me, how does having someone break into my home at 5 a.m., where I was quietly working on my computer, and assault me, tie into a confrontational theory?
After the body of Mr. Morton was found it was a local cab driver who said to me, "the police are a waste of time. Get rid of them, bring inthe FBI and start over."
There are tensions between mainlanders andl ocals, probably more than need to be, but the VI police screw up everybody equally. If the message you want out is, "If you don't want to be robbed, raped, shot or stabbed, don't come here," that is the message that is getting out but is that really what you want?

would you be willing to tell that to a congressman or us senator or to the FBI? we are so sorry to hear what you have tolerated. no human being deserves that.

and to be blunt, if the federal government and VI government aren't going to protect people like you OR tourists, then YES, the message should be quite clear: The US Virgin Islands aren't safe because the governor, police department, and judicial system are inept or corrupt so why should you visit?

We're sure this will ruffle VI resident feathers, but hey, if YOU can speak up, so can others.

Thank you Polly for showing grace and courage. Please stay safe.

If you know any official who wants to listen, yes, I'd be willing to talk to them.
I forgot about the guy I know who was shot. The VI police talked to him once as he was being taken into surgery and not too coherent. They called to follow up five months — YES THAT's FIVE MONTHS — later. He left the island but he might want to speak out, too. I can ask.

I agree that the Virgin Island Police is corrupted and offer no assistance to the public and even within their own force. A 28 year old Police Officer died on 9/26/07 inside the St.John Police Station. They said he Committed Suicide and ruled out Accidental on the day of his death. The Police Reports made no sense saying his day was uneventful and quiet. He had 45 minutes before he left to go home to St.Thomas. The News Report says he spoke to his Supervisor and then went in to an office to file a report and took his life. Locals who knew the Police Officer Isaac was in shock to hear of his death and only had good things to say about him. They said he was one of the nice Officers to treat you with Respect and to give assistance when you needed it. Even his family spoke out and said they know he would never take his life. He would look for another job if he was uncomfortable with his current employment.

If the Police can cover up evidence from within, do you think they care enough to assist anyone out there?

Since the Virgin Islands is part of the United States Territory, you would think that the Federal Government would get involve and start investigating the Police Department and the Judicial System to clean up the islands and stop with these senseless killings.

I will make this brief, but powerful. After all this panned out, I made a post on yahoo. It was an answer to a question about the VI. I stated the truth. Corruption, Piracy, racism and so on. Within 24 Hours, I had recived two letters from the USVI goverment warning me about my free speech. This was followed by a radio talk show campain to "get me off the island" then govement officals called my employer to have me terminated. I did this anonymously, and the USVI goverment used their resources to hacek my web site to identify me. Then I was Warned and threatened. I tell you, this all is crazy, and would never go unpunised in the states. STAY away from the USVI. Remember Natlie Hollaway... I am not suprised what happened to her... this place is just as vile.

if the media truly watches phillyfuture, then they need to check this all out. the case of jamie cokayne has gone too quiet. elected officials have done NOTHING, and the USVI govt has done NOTHING.

if what happened to this local is true, then nancy grace and her ilk, what the "f" y'all waiting for? Or do you only pay attention to lil white southern gals?

xomba.com is a community of writers. There is a writer there Informative_D thats writing alot of stories about the Virgin Islands Police and corruption. This writer obviously feels the same way as the Cockaynes when it comes to distrusting the police. Check out some of those stories they will knock your socks off.

Im probly a little late here but boycotting the V.I is not going to make any difference!! Although i do agree that V.I law enforcement is corrupt, negativelly portraying everyone in the Virgin islands wont do any help in solving the cockayne murder case. If you visit the virgin islands they always state to stay out of dark alleys and so forth as with everywhere in the world.

People of the virgin islands are very sensitive to insults and easily become irate and in most cases end in violence. Residents of the virgin islands are also targeted by violence but the key to living in the V.I is to be very strong, in other words dont let anyone take advantage of you. Roberry is very common in the V.I no matter who you are and police corruption is very common but in this case, you cant blame the government for not trying to hard since they re still trying to recover there reputation from previous incedence.

There was a hate crime that took place in st. john where a black woman was brutally raped, assulted and left for dead by some white residents.these types of thing dont happen in the V.I and when details got out about what they had done to her, all the V.I became irate and animosity became between white and black residents (mainly in st. john) which ended in violence.

I cant stand the police dept. of the V.I either, but i dont think that negitavely portraying all of the V.I is the answer since the residents of the virgin islands are also victims of crimes and the government!

by the way st. john is very beautiful and if anyone thinks for one minute that the Virgin islands is bad, try living on non us territories theres even worst crimes that dont even make it to the news.

Tell that to the mother of James Byrd, these honkys can get away with murder, and as soon as the tables get turned, Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa.....Big babies.
Leave Black Women Alone!