Bob recounted a harrowing experience during a vacation in Tobago, where he was assaulted and robbed in broad daylight on a path between Arnos Vale Beach and his rented villa. Two men — one shirtless and the other with his face covered — ambushed him, aggressively taking his fishing rod while threatening him with a club. Thankfully, Bob managed to escape unharmed, but the incident left him shaken, especially given the thought of what could have happened had his wife been with him. He emphasized that the attack occurred at 5:30 p.m., in view of other beachgoers, indicating that the assailants had likely been watching and targeting him.
The response from local authorities compounded Bob’s distress. The villa manager had to call the police multiple times before they responded, and when they did, the officers were dismissive and unprofessional — mocking the couple and blaming Bob for walking near a “deserted beach.” Disillusioned with both safety and local infrastructure, Bob and his wife moved to more expensive accommodation near Pigeon Point, where they hoped to feel more secure. After speaking with locals, he learned that such incidents are not rare, which only deepened his concern.
Bob’s overall impression was one of regret and disappointment. He found Tobago to be overpriced and underprepared for tourism, with insufficient security presence and no reliable safety measures at many beaches. After experiencing the attack firsthand and hearing of others, Bob expressed serious doubts about having chosen Tobago as a destination, especially for a family trip.
