Actually not! - Posted by Wayne-NC
Posted by Wayne-NC on April 11, 2004 at 09:42:58:
They are all the same even with millions of US dollars entering every day from the cruise ship industry along with outside aid. Corruption is everywhere along with the inability to build a country. Those 2 reasons are what makes RE unattractive. Now, how does Aruba, Caymen, Curacao, Martinique, St.Martin etc. thrive? Simple, they are still owned by first world nations and learned to live without independence. It has its benefits. Tourists flock, economy bristles, and real estate prices reflect that and are that of Hawaii (going up) which incedently, wants their independence back. That would turn it into another impoverished island chain in due time as well. The elders there know this and have been successful voting it down so far in the few attempts it has been on the ballot. Japan some time ago tried to “buy” it until their economy took a dive. Cozumel is nice even though it belongs to Mexico. American money built it indirectly. One day I counted 15 cruise ships in port on this tiny island. I like RE so I inquired somewhat about it. Prices are expectedly high which is beyond the ordinary income of the locals. Most travel across the channel to work every day. The US has the benefits without ownership and the locals have a great economy. They know that they have a win/win situation going. So far the best way I have found to own RE and still go to all these places is to buy a timeshare in Hawaii and go there or trade it with NO problem and travel elsewhere. More on this to anyone who wants to know about this avenue in REI.