For no rhyme or reason here are three quick true stories (true id's
obscured).

1. A couple made their first long hard cruise. Arrive Haiti late afternoon
(day one) . Illiterate , brand X officials (3) visit insist on cigarettes
and some cash, issue verbal approval for stay. That night same individuals
visit again, out of uniform, gotta have gasoline! Next day other boats begin
to move in closer and closer. Second night more visits more presents given
and the cruiser's shotguns are loaded and kept close. No sleep again. Third
day promised more of same and the need to sleep requires they sail away and
they're not going back.

2. A frequent visitor to a tropical island was boarded by a knife wielding
person intent on robbery or whatever. The sailor shot and killed attacker.
Remains went overboard and sailor left immediately. No regrets, no problems.

3. In a Mediteranean port an American was harrassed and assaulted by two
hooligans. From fear and inexperience sailor killed the attackers w/ a
shotgun. Sailor went to jail. After about 6 months ( in jail ) the full
police report revealed that the deceased were bad boys with long records and
had been very dangerous. The legal system allowed the sailor to return to
his boat to await his murder trial. Sailor rightly presumed that the
police/judge were giving him an option to flee, with his boat. He left, no
problemo...

It seems that, like lightening, an attack anywhere should be avoided, above
all, because it is a loser for sure. The only variable is lose how much? In
most places guns won't help cuz ; A. They are contraband, legit guy goes to
jail. B. Legit guy will be out gunned.

Belize is said to be gun-integrated.

LS