:mattLandia:

Because my dad, is the former Agency man, now "world acclaimed anti-kidnap expert". Yep, my dad. Mild mannered bad ass. ;)

But should you ever suspect that you are kidnap material, that evil thugs are gonna get you the next time you're making a late night run to Waffle House because you just HAVE to have grits and bacon right NOW.... here are some tips for you:

Tips on surviving an abduction

* Remain calm.
* Follow instructions.
* Provide a phone contact.
* Anticipate denial and disorientation followed by depression, sleep loss and intestinal disorder.
* Deal with abductors in respectful but not subservient manner.
* Attempt to win respect and sympathy by developing one-to-one relationship.
* Avoid political discussions.
* If you have a clear opportunity to escape, take it but be mindful that abductors might have laid a trap for you. Statistically, the best chance for survival is in a negotiated release.
* Remember that efforts are being made to secure your safe release.
* Keep positive frame of mind.
* Source: Wes Odom

On a more sober note, it's sad to hear that kidnapping in Trinidad is on the rise. Hopefully the police and government will work to stamp out kidnapping as a 'profession' before it becomes as entrenched as it is elsewhere in South America.

For the record, the editorial team at The Trinidad Guardian grossly misquoted Dad in their headline. I'm paraphrasing, but the general statement was that while one theoretical approach to combating kidnapping would be to not pay the kidnappers, the reality is that if a family member of the victim has the means to pay a ransom, and there is a reasonable chance that the victim may be returned to his family, paying the ransom is practical. I believe Dad was able to correct himself on a morning news show the day following the release of the headline, but still, there isn't a good excuse for reckless journalism.

You make us all proud Dad.