BATTS ROCK, St Michael, is a beautiful location with clear waters and a calm atmosphere. It is a place where people park their cars, put their feet up and take a snooze.
However, Batts Rock has a dark side and those going there to take a nap should be wary because the peace and seclusion can work against the unwary.
Street Beat took a trip to Batts Rock to ask those there how they felt about coming to an area which now has a reputation for crime, namely robbery.
University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill student Benjamin Richards said he came to the beach expecting a fun time but what he heard when he got there made him think twice.
“This is my first time here and I didn’t expect to feel unsafe but one thing that stopped me is when people tell me to be careful because people getting robbed down here,” he said, recalling he had a friend who actually was robbed in the area but adding he had not thought about it until that moment.
Richards, an Antiguan, was on the beach with his sister Rosalie and friend Jeremy Dickson, a Vincentian. Rosalie said Batts Rock was a convenient beach for university students but advised others not to come alone.
“This is the easiest beach to come to for UWI students but we always come as a group. I’ve never come here by myself. This is not my first time here so I know you have to be careful and you have to watch your stuff. Although, if I didn’t know, I never would have guessed,” she said, remarking about the beauty of the area.
Kathyann Ifill was in her car, a picture of relaxation. She said, while she had not heard the talk about Batts Rock, she naturally took precautions.
“It’s tranquil and I like to sit and listen to the water. I would come out here once it’s bright but not during the evening or night because it’s not too well lighted and it is too secluded so anyone should err on the side of caution,” she said.
Ifill told the team, now that it was mentioned, she remembered seeing no less than four police patrol cars pass through on Sunday at various times. She said she thought nothing of it then but now she realised why.
Elroy Agard said he too noticed a police presence in the area but despite the possible danger, he loved Batts Rock.
“I come early on some mornings with my kids and I don’t have an issue. I love it. In the morning it is bright and there are usually other people here so any problems probably have to come after a particular time when only one or two people here,” he said.
Agard, a coach, was on the beach supervising national athlete Fallon Forde, who was conducting sea exercises after injuring his hamstring.
Not far from Agard, United States visitor Michelle Patterson was sunbathing on the beach. She said her family was staying nearby and she loved the area but had received some warnings from helpful beachgoers.
“I had some people asking me if I was alone and telling me not to leave my stuff on the beach if I go into the water. Now I am a little concerned, it didn’t make me feel very good so when I come back, I will do so with my family. Still, it’s absolutely gorgeous here, you can’t beat this colour water,” she said.
Patterson decided to heed the advice given and soon packed up her things and headed back to her hotel.
Another beachgoer, who requested anonymity, blamed the crime in the area on the number of abandoned buildings along the coast.
“Normally this is a good beach for locals and tourists to relax but because of these abandoned construction sites it is also a harbouring hold for criminals. Why people don’t buy them instead of building new ones? Or make them into natural animal habitats?” he said.
Despite the talk, one man said he was unafraid. “Ramma”, as he wished to be identified, said crime was everywhere and he was not running from it.
“This is my first time here. I just come for a sea bath as I pull a little [ham]string. It look nice to me and nothing so [crime] will change my mind, you can get rob anywhere and I would come back here anytime,” he said.
