This is what the so-called visionaries wanted.
These roving gangs of bandits are a far worse blight on Sosua than all the hoards of prostitutes, shoe-shine boys, and vendors combined. And it is extremely difficult to "just say no" to these gun toting ladrones.
Of course, it is not just the girls and shoe-shine boys who are being shaken-down. Several gringo friends of mind have been randomly stopped and questioned about where they are going, where they live, and if they were aware that Christmas is just around the corner. My friends were also informed that the police could be very helpful to gringos in need of assistance. i think you get the picture, no?
If anyone thinks this type of behavior is funny, just wait until you are stopped by a band of automatic weapon-waving thugs, eager for a handout. It is not a joke, and it is not at all enticing to tourists.
It is truly a sad state of affairs indeed.