Like almost every other cruisers, there are times I find “boat boys” a bit annoying. My level of annoyance ranges from very mild to PLEASE LEAVE. We just spent a few days in southern St. Lucia in the Pitons area, which is well known for pesky boat boys. Cruisers are a captive audience because we must take a mooring in the Marine Management area. I have picked up dozens of moorings in the Virgin Islands this winter and would have no trouble picking up the moorings in the Pitons area, but I always accept the help and pay the helper. Soufriere is a very poor town and the job opportunities are few and these fellows are trying to work for a living.

Before we left Rodney Bay the local fruit and vegetable boat came by and asked if we wanted to buy anything. We had just gone to the Saturday market and had just come back from a swim and, no I did not need anything. He said, “you have been here for to weeks and have not bought anything”. Is it my responsibly to buy something from the local vendors?

Well, the guilt trip worked and when we returned to Rodney Bay I did buy a nice pineapple from the fruit guy. I do believe in supporting folks who are working.