04/07/2006
Brutal Gay Bashing on St. Maarten
Senior CBS Nightly News producer Richard Jefferson and his friend Ryan Smith were harassed and brutally attacked by gay bashers on the island of St. Maarten early Thursday morning after leaving a bar. Jefferson "sustained severe cuts on the back of his head and his lower back" while Smith "had a fractured head and has been unable to speak properly since the incident," according to the St. Maarten Daily Herald.
The two were beaten with a pipe wrench after leaving Bamboo Bernie's, where they had been harassed by the suspects, who apparently followed them in a car and jumped them.
The St. Maarten Police have so far neglected to even contact the victims: "Jefferson said he had learnt that many people, including management at Sunset Beach Bar, Maho St. Maarten, a nearby casino and Bamboo Bernie’s, had called the St. Maarten Police, but no one showed up. He said he had called the police station on Thursday around 1:00pm and had spoken to a detective, but no one showed up at the hospital or called."
Note: The news article says Jefferson is with NBC, but I have been informed he works for CBS; Smith works for 48 Hours.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 6:29 PM EST by Andy in Caribbean, Crime, Travel | Permalink
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I wonder if this will make this news here given that the victim actually works in the news industry.
Posted by: Chad Hanging | Apr 7, 2006 6:33:27 PM
I really think that the gay community should boycott the entire Caribbean while they persist in being so violently and institutionally homophobic. I hope they both make a full recovery.
Posted by: Peter Rivendell | Apr 7, 2006 6:35:12 PM
And where's Ann Coulter to say they deserved it, and Jay Croce to agree?
Guess this is what he means by the tender loving care he gets from conservatives all week long.
Posted by: brian nyc | Apr 7, 2006 7:05:04 PM
I have been boycotting them for years, and I live so close in Miami. But they don't welcome gay people and I feel it is foolish for gay cruises and the like to keep trying to ingratiate themselves to these ignorant fools. It makes no sense to go where you aren't wanted and supporting the Caribbean with gay dollars should stop now.
Posted by: Naked Boy | Apr 7, 2006 7:13:34 PM
We should do the opposite of boycott-gay people should pick one of the islands (one of the independent ones) and take it over-we need our own homeland-not for everyone to love there but a place of refuge, where we can 'keep our powder dry' and why should those biggoted shitkickers get to live in such a paradise?! Let's get together and buy the fucking island and kick the motherfuckers out-let them live where it's cold and gray all the time-and let the gays sip umbrella drinks on the beach. We deserve some TLC and hassle free recreation.
Posted by: chicagochristianleft | Apr 7, 2006 7:24:26 PM
I'm scheduled to go on the big gay cruise in January with a stop at St. Maarten. Maybe they should pick a new port of call.
Posted by: Daniel Brown | Apr 7, 2006 7:45:08 PM
St. Barth's boys... It's just one hop over.
Posted by: Todd Marsh | Apr 7, 2006 7:58:23 PM
the Carribbean as a paradise? it makes the class distinctions in the U.S. look like Sweden. ditto to Peter's call - boycott the Carribbean.
Posted by: resurrect | Apr 7, 2006 8:18:27 PM
sorry - I meant "Caribbean". apologies due -
Posted by: resurrect | Apr 7, 2006 8:19:29 PM
If gay people continue to go to these places, where they know they are hated, and spend their money, then they shouldn't bitch when we hear news like this.
Posted by: Zeke | Apr 7, 2006 8:21:55 PM
The irony is that St. Maarten/St. Martin is a Caribbean island with both Dutch and French administration.
It is a fact, however, that neither European Dutch or French law applies in these territories. The most conservative Dutch live in the Caribbean Antilles, and the African-descended locals share their neighbours' views on us.
I agree. It is a difficult decision, but there is definitely a virulent theocon Christian strain in both the Caribbean and subsaharan Africa that is troubling....as troubling as their Islamic neighbours.
Posted by: Raymond | Apr 7, 2006 8:34:31 PM
My parents are from Barbados and I haven't gone back for a while because I'm gay and I wouldn't feel comfortable being there (or as comfortable if I was straight and there wasn't an issue), even though I'd be with family. I wouldn't say everyone in the Caribbean is homophobic, but so many people, especially the prime ministers and police departments encourage the violence against gays through inaction. I guess the way countries in the Caribean treat LGBT people is because of how intertwined religion and politics are. I just hope things change within my lifetime for the better.
Posted by: Jason | Apr 7, 2006 8:48:02 PM
Forgive the long comment but I am extremely passionate about St. Martin. My former partner and I have been to St. Martin 5 times, travelling 3 times with other gay men and never experienced any hostility or homophobia. While we stayed on the French side each time, we regularly visited the Dutch side, going to the beach at Cupecoy, which used to be very gay until the beach washed away. This was a clothing optional beach and very popular with same-sex couples and always friendly. The same for Sunset Beach Bar, and the complex where Bamboo Bernie's is. The locals, particularly the beach chair guys were always very welcoming and even remembered us year to year. And the French side is very gay friendly. (I am not 100% certain but I do believe the post regarding French law on the French St. Martin is incorrect. St. Martin is a part of Guadeloupe and is a Department (equivalent of State or Province of France) and is administered by France. The Dutch side is different and has a lot of issues with the Netherlands. I think it is wrong to tarnish St. Martin because of one unfortunate incident - incidents that are common in all big Canadian and U.S. cities. While I've certainly heard lots of negative things about the Caribbean, I can say without reservation that St. Martin is completely the opposite.
Posted by: Barry | Apr 7, 2006 8:48:45 PM
I will never visit this island until they react the way they would have done for straight victims....i have just cancelled a trip to St. Maarten and will go to Playa Del Carmen instead...see ya
Posted by: stratis | Apr 7, 2006 8:50:11 PM
I agree with the boycotts wholeheartedly. The gay travel dollar which, according to Community Marketing, a research firm based in San Francisco, is a $54-billion-a-year market, estimated to be 10% of the overall market. YES, that says BILLION! And I'm sure there are plenty of non-gays that would show solidarity. Hit 'em where it hurts the most!
Posted by: Mike | Apr 7, 2006 8:51:26 PM
I have to agree with Todd...St. Bart's is the exception to the rule, along with Puerto Rico (for the most part).
Posted by: Brett | Apr 7, 2006 10:06:28 PM
A large part of the charm of St.Barth's is its size.Please NO CRUISESHIPS as they overwhelm the amenities.
Posted by: Brian | Apr 8, 2006 12:07:35 AM
If we use gay bashing as the barometer for vacations I think we should all stay home! - wait -- I guess i can't even stay in my own city. Obviously there are destinations where it would be prudent not to visit if we expect to be "ourselves" - but St. Martin is not one of them. You are more likely to be robbed than bashed - and even more likely to have a great time.
I have never been anything other than what I am when visiting and never had problems. I suggest that rather than a boycott we do the opposite. Make a statement by making a presence - as well as keeping a healthy dose of common sense. After all, it's not Provincetown. Homophobia exists there like anywhere - it's a fact of life.
Right now the Dutch side (unlike the French side which is far more sophisticated) is a blur of partying and drugs and gambling and straights looking to get laid. I avoid it - except for Sunset Beach Bar - I have to be there every day for Air France take off and the sunset.
A few years ago the only gay bar was a tiny little venue on the French side in Bair Nettle called The Pink Mango - it's gone - but it was fun!
The Dutch side is what i imagine spring break is like in Miami or wherever the college kids go to get drunk and have sex. If you want to be yourself stay on the French side where everyone kisses each other upon meeting and no one cares - and have splendid dinners and pretend you are in Paris.
Posted by: Mike | Apr 8, 2006 1:19:29 AM
Sounds like these two men did not moderate their behaviour and suffered the conseqences. In their arrogance, they thought that they could behave in the same manner as in the USA. I think it is a good thing that these islands are willing to keep to a higher standard of behaviour.
Posted by: Michael | Apr 8, 2006 1:26:57 AM
Michael, WTF!!!! That is a ridiculous and insulting statement. You seriously need to check yourself.
Posted by: busytimmy | Apr 8, 2006 2:57:02 AM
Sounds like there's not enough information to make any statement whatsoever about the two men's behavior. I know you're just trying to get a rise out of people, Michael, but if you're going to try to make a name for yourself as a shit starter, you could at least be a bit more clever about it.
Posted by: Tom | Apr 8, 2006 3:43:28 AM
Yes, the French side of St. Martin is a "Departement outre-mer" and since 1946, send deputy and senator to Paris, however, the laws governing sexual behaviour is particular to the island departments. This is even true in SS. Pierre et Miquelon, the overseas department off the coast of Quebec - the last vestige of France's empire after 1763.
True, the Dutch Antilles are semi-independent. We, too, have spent vacations in the Caribbean over the last few decades without incident. Though, reading about the recent postings on this blog, I believe that these "theocracies" have actors racheting up the activity against us.
Posted by: Raymond | Apr 8, 2006 4:12:55 AM
Does anyone know whether this has received any coverage on CBS? If not, then the lack of concern here is reprehensible. That should be our first order of business.
Posted by: psmike | Apr 8, 2006 4:36:50 AM
I get the point about not going on holiday at all and not even being able to stay home, but seriously, by visiting these places as tourists we are sanctioning their oppressive policies as well as placing ourselves at risk - Egypt, India & Poland for example.
I agree that we should modify our behaviour and show respect when in foreign countries, but why should we do that for fear of violence and prejudice, or because they find who we are morally repugnant and/or criminalise us?
Maybe such countries would be glad for us to stay away but somehow we must turn the tide towards global acceptance - perhaps supporting the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) campaign would be a good place to start...
http://www.petitiononline.com/idaho/petition.html
Posted by: Peter Rivendell | Apr 8, 2006 6:12:15 AM
I'm so sick and tired of this.When will we have a news report where the gay man beat up the homophobe.If it was me,I would have grabbed something sharp.Self defence is not murder!
Posted by: judemillsy | Apr 8, 2006 6:17:05 AM
Self defence is not murder. Nor is it manslaughter when it can be proven that you are saving your life when the attacker is intent on taking yours.
Man, straight or gay, do not prey upon those whom they believe could defend themselves, or worse, hurt them badly in the process. Psychosexual orientation may inform their choices, and they usually engage in this self-hating gay bashing in gangs. They are cowards alone, and besides these latent homosexuals are trying to publicly purge their "poison".
Posted by: Raymond | Apr 8, 2006 10:17:34 AM
wow - I just read on pageoneq.com that LOGO has just rejected the ejector spot on UCC.
I guess that indeed LOGO is not for the gay community, but merely selling product to a multi billion dollar economic market.
Posted by: Raymond | Apr 8, 2006 10:28:38 AM
Raymond -
LOGO's parent company, Viacom, rejected the ad...it's not LOGO's decision.
Posted by: PHDinNYC4Dems | Apr 8, 2006 10:45:10 AM
Well, then, the Logo News briefs better show the whole commercial as a news item for the next month the way they rerun every bit of original programming ad nauseam...
or I really will over-react. I know that they only really monitor gay sites like Outsports with the far right wingnut they have on from time to time...but they better notice the reaction.
Posted by: brian nyc | Apr 8, 2006 11:49:18 AM
This incident is very sad. They are in my prayers.
I have been to St Maarten twice on Atlantis cruises and have found the merchants have been welcoming in both countries. Many with rainbow flags in their shop windows. The bottom line unfortunately is the world is unsafe and you always have to be onguard.
Actually, on an Atlantis cruise last month many of us felt much more unsafe and unwelcome in our own country's port -St Croix. We were met with evil stares and protests by several of the locals. I for one will never be going back to St Criox, USA.
Posted by: Chris | Apr 8, 2006 1:35:58 PM
Viacom is obviously interested in the views of the Neocon vociferous minority and not their target $$$$$$$ audience.
I agree with BrianNYC, the channel seems to repeat all programmes ( ad nauseam ) that fit a stereotypic agenda more than the more activist agendas to obtain equal justice under law.
One programme that they have not repeated is what Canadian television called My Big Fat Gay Wedding, and what LOGO provided as First Comes Love.
Why? In my opinion, and LOGO has said it would NOT have any repeat programming in either April or May....the marriages that they highlight ARE LEGAL AND EQUAL TO ANY MARRIAGE WHATSOEVER IN CANADA.
LOGO, I understand, are having a Ptown reality programme.....in MA .....with individuals who are not married. Cute.....
There is no problem with programmes like SAINTS and SINNERS where the individuals are receiving a ceremony with no legal import.
I applaud Viacom for their launching of LOGO. I am somewhat miffed that they edit films for content, in ways that HERE or other channels as well as Viacom's Showtime/Showcase had no problem airing. Their official response is hypocritical...because they owned Queer as Folk...but we edit content and fail to repeat the truly controversial materials.
Posted by: Raymond | Apr 8, 2006 8:47:20 PM
If the local police aren't going to react, then a boycott will have the local businesses driving through changes in the administration.
Posted by: Mike | Apr 9, 2006 8:51:54 AM
Re some of the earlier comments about not being able to go anywhere just because a gay bashing happened there, the point is not that gays got bashed, crime occurs everywhere, but the fact that the local authorities couldn't be bothered. That is my issue and why I now will not go to St. Maarten this new year's. My friends and I have decided on Belize instead. There too may not be perfect and all gay friendly, but at least there the police still have benefit of the doubt.
Posted by: Will | Apr 9, 2006 4:38:52 PM
you can watch the video from a local CBS station in Miami.
http://cbs4.com/local/local_story_097165156.html
Posted by: Aaron Krach | Apr 9, 2006 4:41:00 PM
My partner and I had a fine time in St. Maarten a few years ago. We stayed at a gay-run guest house and experienced no harassment anywhere we went. But we wouldn't think of returning now that we know how little the police think of us.
Somebody suggested St. Barth's above - great idea, if you can afford it.
Posted by: Ed Sikov | Apr 9, 2006 5:28:08 PM
My partner and I have visited St.Maarten about 4 times and stayed at a B and B run by two German gay men. We have always had an incredible stay and felt as safe on the island as we would at home (in New York.) Other guests at the B and B would include gay men from places like Barbados and Trinidad, where homophobia is so rampant that it is nearly impossible for two men to check into a room together without causing major issues.
Before there is a rush to judgement on boycotting St. Maarten or truly stirring up the turd by claiming that "these men's behavior caused the attack" (what kind of idiot posted that?), I think that it might actually pay to carefully look at the facts of the situation when they are available. Sadly, as Americans we seem too ready to make up our minds based on sketchy evidence and then delight in sending in the attack force (perhaps people are following the actions of their Beloved President?)
Posted by: J Dude | Apr 10, 2006 7:38:39 AM
I see that awful message from olivia has been removed. It made me wonder if she was one of the 2 women with those would-be murderers.
Posted by: Donna | Apr 11, 2006 4:53:10 PM
Sint Maarten is now going through some rought times right now. this is the first time something like this ever happing here.for the last 5 years crime have increst also the island have a shortest of police officer which is sad due to being under pay. And they aren't much locals there any more they all have left.
Posted by: ghost rider | Apr 17, 2006 9:45:30 AM
I am one of the owners of Sint Maartens only gay hotel. We are all outraged about this incident, the first incident of this kind on the island. We wish the 2 victims full psychological and physical recovery and that those culprits will be brought to justice. Today, April 18, we can read in our newspaper that 2 suspects are already arrested by police. All of the suspects are from the French side of our island.
Immidiately a task force was built and immidiately all(!) main authorities made a stern statement that such crime will not be tolerated and all will be done to get the criminals.
By reading several comments here on the board I have to wonder about those boycott calls as it would mean after the shooting in a gay Boston bar on February 3, 2006 and reading the FBI's hate crime statistics from 2003, where badly enough 1479 gay hate crimes happened (www.lamda.org), I have to issue warnings to boycott the whole United States?????
The solution is in my opinion not to blame a whole island but to support those who are fighting such crimes.
chicagochristianleft@yahoo.com your stupid comment about taking over one of the islands is in my opinion quite faschistoid!!! You wanne do it like your government in Irak? Fine solution. The Nazis did the same! Taking over the US because of your crime statistics and Bush???? Are you serious?
In conclusion: Our island was and is a gay friendly destination, we as owners of a gay hotel got and get all needed support, we even got contacted after the hate crime to talk over what to do.
I would love to see any other government acting so fast and in such considered way to fight such crimes and to catch the culprits! I wish all needed success to our government to bring those criminals to justice and to show the world , we are the friendly island we really are!
Posted by: Boris Strehlke | Apr 18, 2006 10:49:20 AM
I'm glad this is the first incident of its kind on the island. We were vacationing on St. Maarten/St. Martin when this horrible attack happened, travelling in a group of 5, 2 of which happen to be gay. One of the reasons we chose St. Martin is because of it's reputation as gay-friendly. I have been reading every messsage-board I can find about the incident since I heard about it. What I have learned from them is that most of the people on the island that have posted on the message boards are also horrified by what happened, also that the police response throughout the Caribbean is fairly lame and that their lack of action at first probably wouldn't have been different if the men were staright. But I've also seen some hate-filled messages from some locals and some editorials in the TODAY newspaper that make my skin crawl: http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/3610
and
http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/3630
Please encourage any businesses you know not to give their advertising dollars to TODAY if they are going to promote that kind of bigotry.
I think most of the boycott talk will end when/if all the attackers are convicted and sent to prison for a very long time. I saw a great bumper sticker this morning. It read "I Don't Mind Straight People – As Long as They Act Gay in Public".
Posted by: StraightChick | Apr 18, 2006 4:53:15 PM
I just want to say that I have lived on St. Martin for the past fifteen years and have never heard of anything like this ever happening here. The typical caribbean male is threatened by anyone who he feels challenges his manhood - whether that person is a gay man or a strong independent woman!!! The ignorance of some people here is at times overwhelming but the kindness and love of the other 92% more than makes up for it. I have met friends from all over the world both gay and straight and I would hate for the ignorance and hatred of a few people to tarnish the reputation of this beautiful island. This past Easter weekend we had a retired Catholic priest (who happens to be gay) give such a powerful sermon. Our Catholic community in our little village on the French side is so conservative yet each year he and his partner are welcomed with open arms. He has taught this community how to listen with our hearts and forget all the negative stereotypes and hatred that has put this world in the state that it is. I pray for those two men that had to go through that horrific ordeal here. Churches throughout the island prayed for those men and for more people to learn to be more understanding.
Posted by: Carib mom | Apr 18, 2006 10:18:54 PM
Bull… Many of you are making general statements about St Martin/St Maarten. I don’t appreciate it! As a young local lesbian, I am living here year round! It’s not that bad! And believe me, there is a good bite of local gays on the island, we just learned to live with the mentality… I’ve studied in France 4 years, where one night a group of kids came in and dropped in some teargas in the basement of an all girls club where I was hanging out with friends… I guess you find idiots all over the world, and that did not make me say that all of France was homophobic and that I needed to get the hell out of there.
West Indians are very religious people (conservative people).
I’ll be the first to say: it’s hell having to live a double life, not being to live freely my love here… but it’s home! I’m very sorry for what happened to Jefferson and Smith, and I can’t recall of any incident of that sort on the island! And hope I’ll never have to either!
So fare we’ve never had a Mathew Shepard case here…On the other hand we’ve never had an Ellen Degenerese to open doors for the rest of us!
Posted by: Local girl | Jan 14, 2007 4:30:44 PM
The Friendly Island is in fact robber's paradise. Latest news today "Scooter bandits stab victim during robbery". It happened at March 28th at 3:45 a.m. in Philipsburg. Source The Daily Herald.
Daily news from "The Friendly Island" as usuall! I bet in the next 2 day's they are reporting about other violent crimes!
Posted by: Beau Robinson | Mar 29, 2007 8:20:08 PM
Yo, dont talk shyt about my beautiful island dread. What ya'll need 2 do is really boycott this place so we don't have to worry about seeing you nasty people again, just recently we boycotted a gay ship from coming here, it pulled into port but no-one got off the boat because even though it was a peaceful demonstration, you kould see murder in tha eyes of us 'simple minded caribbean men' as you seem to think of us
and the reason why the police didn't bother to help is because the police don't like ya'll homo'z neither.....you really think they care if a homo gets his skull cracked? proof of such should be known that everyone who was arrested in connection and sent to jail were released less than 4-5 months after with time off....
basically, homos, stay away from our caribbean paradise, stay away from our children, put it point blank, just stay away! your not wanted nor ever will be.....
why don't the entire worlds population of homos move to antartica or the north pole or some uncharted region and live there and never bother the str8 world again, and homo-phobe implies the fear of homosexuality, and it isn't anything to fear, if anything the world is anti-homo and sooner or later a genocide will happen.....
oh, and don't have a good day, try to fall on something sharp and seriously hurt yourself in the process, whats wrong homo's? wish you were women or in some cases, men? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0038qvOEfB0 << you'll never be that
Posted by: Homo-Slayer | Nov 2, 2007 1:36:23 PM
The blacks also have a problem with white people! Listen what Alfred Marsdin got to say.
"The Dutch (white people)are best in orchestrating situations against Antilleans (black people)"
“The two best Dutch men are the one that is not born yet and the second is the one that is already buried.” “I do not trust a Dutch man.”
Posted by: Volker Bruecher | Mar 27, 2008 1:35:43 PM
The above comment of Mr. Boris Strehlke paint the island as gay friendly. He is gay and reciding at Cupecoy Sint Maarten.
He is operating the Delfina Hotel. The hotel is known as a destination for gay tourists. Because he is generating his income with gay people he is trying to convince people here that the island is gay friendly! In fact it is the opposite! He don't care about this people but the dollars they spend in his hotel!
Posted by: Volker Bruecher | Mar 27, 2008 1:44:58 PM
Dick Jefferson is a horrible man, caught up in a life of disease and harming others. When you use drugs and act inappropriately, people take notice.
Posted by: Andrew | Jun 5, 2008 8:15:25 PM