Dr. Cohen: You and I have had our differences in the past. Despite that, I wanted you to know that your efforts on Tom's behalf are appreciated. Like Col, you did more than just talk about it, you took action. At this point in time, let's all hope that Tom makes it back home safely, and then worry about the rest later.
So sorry for Tom's lost and I hope they catch that Bastard!......my only guess is probably it end up in the pawn shop for cash or could be one those ham thief.....it happens to my ham friend when a fellow ham(not to mention his name or call) stole his 6 element 20m mono band antenna trying to Pawn it for cash little bit he know the pawn shop owner was a friend of mine........whose the Dummy now?!
Have a look here, that place is anything but uninhabited. https://bookingboxkiribati.wordpres...ti-tiny-islands-struggle-with-overpopulation/
I would gladly donate $$ to help this great ham out..what a shame to have all your gear and personal items taken ..I know how distraught i would be.. so if some get this started perhaps the $$ could be sent to one of our fine Radio suppliers to hold until its all ready to be sent ,mailed,shipped to him for his use.. perhaps using RaspPI for a very small computer to log and communicate via emails etc// anyway maybe some one can pick this up and run with it.. WO4L Bob Hess
I find it HARD TO BELIEVE that there's 50,000 people living on TARAWA, as their MAIN ISLAND is "BEITIO" and you can walk across that island in a matter of MINUTES!!! PS, If there's a site being created for financial RELIEF for the intrepid Mariner/Ham LET US ALL KNOW PLEASE!!! If any of you guys remember "VP2WW" (Bobby Weil) back in the 60's he was always losing his boats thru bad weather in the "Caribbean", but even in that case HAMS CAME THRU HELPING "HIM" OUT!!!
Yep, 50,000 as of 2010 Census, mostly on South Tarawa, which is only about 20 miles long or so, depending on how you measure it. Seriously overcrowded and heavily polluted. They have been trying for years to move population to Eastern Kiribati, but some of those islands like Fanning and Christmas do not have enough fresh water to support much of a population increase.
Should be an interesting if very unfortunate "rest of the story"... Tom does not strike me as a rookie traveler so he was likely well aware of the risk. Most people who travel globally know to prepare with somel backup plans, means of accessing funds, and other preparations because things happen. . He is not the first traveler to have things stolen and won't be the last -- That's all part of the experience. Main thing is that he is safe and unharmed. Gear can be replaced. Passports reissued plane tickets purchased and plans reset.
