Laura,
I totally understand the "bothering" thing. Fortunately so far I've only had to deal with it a couple times in Belize. Jamaica it's much worse. I'm glad the respect thing worked for you.
As for Stuart, I might be able to help you or at least get a message to him. Do you know which medical school he works at? MUA or St. Lukes? The director at MUA is a friend and I might be able to give Stuart a message for you when I go down in April.