Thanks for the information Rob. Your explanation is appreciated. The last thing I was trying to do was upset or mislead anyone. I wanted to make the point that service charge isn't the same as it is at home. Those of us fortunate enough to travel to paradise should spread around some of our good fortune whenever we can. We buy trinkets from the vendors we see (even though our house is overflowing with them) we tip the housekeepers, pass money to the gardeners, etc.. But you are right, I have never sent money to the kitchen for the cooks, the dishwashers, the hostess and others behind the scenes and those workers are also trying to feed their families. Out of sight, out of mind. That is something I need to work on.

I have never had a problem with the service charge. My problem was with those using it as an excuse for leaving nothing more. I don't give money to those begging me to buy them a beer or cigarettes or insisting I do. I do give it to those that are working at something/anything to make a living. I also try to support those with challenges or disabilities that don't allow them the opportunity of earning a livable wage.

One of the many reasons we love the island so much is the happy, upbeat attitude of the people even though most are barely making enough to get by. You don't see that many places in this world.