Rummi the parrot got his feathers more than ruffled today. He was threatened with arrest …and escorted from the property at Havensight Mall. Rummi, in an attempt to promote tourism on St Thomas, had gone to the cruise ship area to meet tourists as they were returning to the ships. Rummi's assistants were taking pictures to put on the internet (as we always do at a Rummi appearance.)…Tourists were enjoying all the pictures and were taking many pictures themselves…young and old alike. Then, the head of security, in a very rude and aggressive manner, threw Rummi off the property and told him NEVER to return. He then ordered his security team to escort Rummi out of Havensight. All of this while tourists were trying to get their picture made. Tourists were told NO; they could not take pictures with Rummi.

This is one of the problems with St Thomas Tourism. When someone tries to do something to promote tourism, they are dealt with in this fashion is just completely asinine in my thinking. Rummi was not there for profit…he was not paid nor was he soliciting to sell anything. He was merely there to promote our island. For his efforts he was embarrassed in front of children. I was told that no good deed goes unpunished on St Thomas…now I understand what they were talking about!

Later, as he was leaving, Rummi was told he was illegally in Havensight. He had an electric scooter, which was illegal in Havensight and had handed out a few cards telling tourists where they could see their pictures on the internet. Now, I understand that they did not like the scooter…I think it is understandable to say, "Do not ride the scooter"..(which Rummi was NOT riding when he was told to leave…the scooter had already been returned to the van!!) But they could have been nice…and said, Rummi, you can't ride a scooter…and you can't give people the information that they are requesting about where to find THEIR picture…That was taken FREE…and posted on the internet to promote ST THOMAS….CRUISE SHIPS…AND HAVENSIGHT MALL! Instead…again, Rummi was forced off the property in front of small children!! This is GREAT for Tourism!!

Rummi will NEVER set a bird foot on Havensight again! Rummi has FREE NON-PROFIT events for local children. This was Rummi's first visit to Havensight, because of the rude way he was treated, it is definitely his last.

Rummi is planning a Christmas parade for the children of the island…his initial plan was to hold it in the Havensight area. Now, Rummi will look at other areas of the island to hold this parade.

"I feel that family's with children are totally ignored on our island", said Rummi. This action by Havensight mall just shows the greed side of our island. They want the adult to spend the money, but do not want to offer anything for small children in return. Why would a family want to return to our island? We do nothing for their children. Rummi is trying to do something…and will continue to wage the battle to entertain our children..and the children of tourists…just not in Havensight!