If you are a newbie, or a wannabie EC expat, this information is for you.
There are just too many inaccurate opinions not grounded in fact on some of these posting sites; so I decided to dig a bit deeper.
Just two issues:
In 2006, EC had a higher murder rate than Mexico. but less than El Salvador, but 3.5 times the rate in the U.S.
As for Kidnappings; here are the figures for 2006:
Ratings are ranked from highest number to the lowest:
1. Mexico
2. Iraq
3. India
4. South Africa
5. Brazil
6. Pakistan
7. Ecuador
8. Venezula
9. Columbia
10. Columbia
11. Bangladesh
12. Nigera
13. Haiti
14, Afganistan
Not only am I surprised by the numbers, but also shocked!
Good targets for kidnappers: those with money; Children, and Teenage Girls; Drug competitors, and political oposition. I'm sure there are others.
Lots of news here (US) about the growing trafficing in teenage girls, AND boys! They are being snatched for the pleasure of the rich, world wide; and for prostitution. Blonds bring top dollar in the Middle East. Kids are even being snatched in greater numbers here in the U.S. as well.
Disguisting! to say the least.
Please! I'm NOT saying, "don't go." Just be infomed and prepared when you do so; and, be familiar with your surroundings at all times. Some of the expats on this forum can probably help. Wouldn't it be wonderful if some of the expats would offer to met you when you first arrive? It would certainly relieve some anxieties. In fact, there is lady that hopes to start just such a Service (Small Business), when she arrives and sets up shop.
(MY PLANS ARE STILL TO MAKE A VISIT TO EC FOR A FIRST HAND LOOK, AND TO GET A, "FEEL," FOR THE PLACE.)
Amicus (the other don)
There are just too many inaccurate opinions not grounded in fact on some of these posting sites; so I decided to dig a bit deeper.
Just two issues:
In 2006, EC had a higher murder rate than Mexico. but less than El Salvador, but 3.5 times the rate in the U.S.
As for Kidnappings; here are the figures for 2006:
Ratings are ranked from highest number to the lowest:
1. Mexico
2. Iraq
3. India
4. South Africa
5. Brazil
6. Pakistan
7. Ecuador
8. Venezula
9. Columbia
10. Columbia
11. Bangladesh
12. Nigera
13. Haiti
14, Afganistan
Not only am I surprised by the numbers, but also shocked!
Good targets for kidnappers: those with money; Children, and Teenage Girls; Drug competitors, and political oposition. I'm sure there are others.
Lots of news here (US) about the growing trafficing in teenage girls, AND boys! They are being snatched for the pleasure of the rich, world wide; and for prostitution. Blonds bring top dollar in the Middle East. Kids are even being snatched in greater numbers here in the U.S. as well.
Disguisting! to say the least.
Please! I'm NOT saying, "don't go." Just be infomed and prepared when you do so; and, be familiar with your surroundings at all times. Some of the expats on this forum can probably help. Wouldn't it be wonderful if some of the expats would offer to met you when you first arrive? It would certainly relieve some anxieties. In fact, there is lady that hopes to start just such a Service (Small Business), when she arrives and sets up shop.
(MY PLANS ARE STILL TO MAKE A VISIT TO EC FOR A FIRST HAND LOOK, AND TO GET A, "FEEL," FOR THE PLACE.)
Amicus (the other don)
