THE Louis Vuitton handbags, US dollars and laptops spotted in the possession of some asylum seekers are not the only reason opinions are split among Christmas Island residents.
The powerfully built and fit stand out for obvious reasons and lead to questions about whether all those claiming refugee status are genuine.
Jon Stanhope, the island's administrator, warns against generalisations, but acknowledges a them-and-us attitude has been set up by policy that appears to residents to prioritise detention centre funding over their needs.
A critical extension to the island's main jetty should be greeted with enthusiasm by a resident population for which fishing is a major pastime.
Instead, Mr Stanhope said, the reaction was cynical.
Tourism Association president Lisa Preston said dislike was universal for the people smugglers who put lives at risk.
Opinions were split among those who saw refugees firsthand, she said.
Ms Preston, who has lived on the island for 16 years, runs a tourism bus and 4WD business, drives a school bus and makes lunches on the side for Customs and border patrol flight crews to supplement her income.
She said when you saw the state some refugees arrived, it could not help but generate compassion.
But others who turned up with money, laptops and bling caused many to question their circumstances.
Ms Preston said Muslim women and Sri Lankan arrivals were gracious and grateful. Older Middle Eastern males were less so.
Ructions were occurring in the detention centre with older Middle Eastern Muslims angry that their young were no longer as keen to participate in religious observance.
Ms Preston said many saw Australia as an "absolute new start" and considered Islam had not served them.
Islanders hold no religious fears with 10% of their own population practising Muslims. Small mosques and other places of worship are part of the island architecture.
IF YOU CAN AFFORD LOUIS VUITTON YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY A TICKET TO SAUDI ARABIA.
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