Atlantis puts ban on teens
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The entrance to the Marina Village pictured yesterday. Unaccompanied youths are to be barred from all areas of Atlantis.
Published On:Tuesday, November 03, 2009
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net
UNACCOMPANIED youths are to be barred from all areas of Atlantis, resort chiefs said yesterday.
Announcing a clampdown in the wake of Saturday's double shooting, bosses at the resort also condemned irresponsible parents for using Atlantis as a "teen sitting service".
With the hotel already beefing up its general security levels in the last year, executives said they will now also "re-strategise on where our (security) resources are placed" as they continue to look for ways to ensure the safety of their guests and other visitors.
Speaking with the media yesterday, Chief Executive Officer George Markantonis suggested that the gun attack on two security officers came in part as a consequence of the hoards of unsupervised teenagers who hang out at the resort every weekend.
He went on to admonish parents, saying there is "no excuse" for them to dump their children on the resort "to police".
Mr Markantonis warned that Atlantis soon intends to block weekend entry to the property by any teenagers and younger children who are not joined by their parents or another responsible adult.
Two security officers, one a police reservist, were gunned down at point blank range in the rear part of the Marina Village shortly before 10pm on Saturday. Reports reaching The Tribune from police were that two teenagers carried out the attack because they had been previously moved on for harassing young girls.
Mr Markantonis claimed Marina Village and Atlantis has become a popular playground for locals, particularly teenagers and children on the weekend. Because of this, it is now a "huge challenge" for the resort.
He said: "We've tried to be as open-minded as we could over the years, particularly since Marina Village opened, but obviously we're not going to wait until somebody loses a life to make a decision on how to address the situation.
"When you have a lot of unsupervised kids runnning around something could happen. Certainly it's raised concern from our point of view and we intend to do something about it. We are not going to let an incident such as that which occurred on Saturday night happen again."
Mr Markantonis' statements, made during a press conference at Kerzner International's Executive offices on Paradise Island yesterday afternoon, came as police confirmed that two youths are in custody.
The pair - a 19-year-old, of Dolphin Drive. and a 17-year-old, of Collins Avenue - are likely to be charged today.
Meanwhile, one of the victims, 33-year-old Troy Feast, was yesterday released from hospital. Dwayne DeCosta, 46, is still being treated.
Asked exactly what steps will be taken to cut down on the number of local teenagers who flock to the resort on weekends, Mr Markantonis said a plan is still being worked out but it will revolve around "controlling all access points".
He suggested the resort makes no excuses about the oncoming clampdown.
"I understand a little bit (why parents might want to leave their kids at Atlantis unsupervised). Some might feel 'Oh it's new, it's really safe there', but the fact is its a business, it's a business that's crucial to our tourism industry and which employs thousands of people."
Mr Markantonis said the resort is closely monitoring any potential fallout from the incident but has seen none yet and does not anticipate any serious impact on its bookings as a result.
He said the swift reaction of security and police on the island - shutting down both bridges and launching a major search of all cars - received praise from Atlantis guests and other visitors to the island that night and was evidence of these agencies' ability to respond quickly in a crisis.
Reader Comments - 25 Total
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Posted By: Reasonable Argument On: 11/9/2009
Title: @ Maria
Well, isn’t it reasonable to agree that a hotel is a place of business much the same as any other? I am Bahamian and a restaurant owner. I try to provide, not just a meal but, a certain kind of experience to my patrons. That experience is affected by the ambience just as much as it is by the meal served. When someone comes in, whom I feel will disrupt the experience of my patrons, I ask them to leave. It’s my establishment, my property and my investment. I pay the necessary salaries, taxes and support my local economy. It is not for you, or any other person to tell me I must allow jonsers, teenagers, people carrying pets or anyone else for that matter to come in and create a distraction or hurt any of my customers. People will not continue to patronize my restaurant if they become aware of a trend of shootings there, or perhaps if the surrounding neighborhood all of a sudden became known as a place where burglaries, rapings and worse happen on a regular basis. Do you remember some years back when a series of stabbings took place at a nightclub near the Eastern area of New Providence? Business there declined rapidly and it seems to me that they struggle to keep their doors open these days. I fully support Atlantis, and any other tourist establishment, for increasing security and maintaining their exclusivity as a resort. In my opinion, it is their right to do so. Atlantis is not a public park, it is a place of business.
Posted By: Maria On: 11/5/2009
Title: Actually
I have 3 children. One graduated university this year, one is still at university and a little one at home. My children are well educated and well mannered because THAT is what we as their parents have taught them. Educated people debate issues. If you have a reasonable argument why not present it?
Posted By: Joe On: 11/5/2009
Title: Hope Maria Has No Children
The caption says it all!!
Posted By: Madd Lox On: 11/5/2009
Title: Shooters on PI
Reading some of the comments left here shows why our country is in the situation it's in today. If there is anyone in here that has kids and drops them off anywhere UN-supervised, U are Irresponsible. The Mall, Paradise Island, The Beach....... These places are not day care centers. It seems you've learned how to have kids but not how to PARENT them. When since did your kids become your friends. At what point will u realize that your kids are out of control...... These two young men Attempted to Kill those Security Officers. And its easy to think this situation stemmed from a problem that happened off the island..... We as humans will always try to make sense of any situation but these guys were out of control. Now after the murder attempt the PARENTS step in and the boys are out on bail. My People..... Soon we will have a new wave of crime in this country...... A crime of vengeance. When people can't find justice in the system they will make their own. How many of u in here today are ready to get the call that your Mother or Child or Wife has been gun down. By someone that she they didn't even know. What are you willing to do for justice. How would u feel if in 2 days that person was walking around the streets of Nassau. Think My People.
Posted By: Maria On: 11/4/2009
Title: Those who can debate do and those who
have no point try to insult and intimidate. No, I don't have a "nigga" and I most certainly do not get beat around. These children did not just walk out of the womb packing. The lessons they are learning have been passed down from generation to generation. Remember that whole article back in the 80's? We have always been a corrupt nation for sale. What examples do they have to follow? Linden Pindling, corruption within the police, everything from a passport to residence to a driver license is for sale. Then you have the whole elected senior role models like Pleasant. I learned very early; need a permit for something? Simply slip a bill into the right hand. Want a day room at Atlantis or a free upgrade? slip the front desk a bill. Yes, let's not take responsibility for what we as nation have taught our children and let's worry about the tourists of Paradise Island and not tourism of the country. Maybe if the grownups of our country had more character the children would too.
Posted By: Not a GANSTA! On: 11/4/2009
Title: Maria is ah Junglist
Who most probably have a "nigga" who cheats on her and slaps the hell out of her when he gets in the mood. Only someone with this warped sense of thinking could make the kind of comments that she's writing here. First off, the fact that these teenage boys (yes, lets call them what they are, stupid little boys) could find it in themselves to go over to Atlantis or anywhere for that matter armed is something to consider. The fact that they could be in possession of a weapon is something to consider. The fact that their response to authority is to "put a cap " on the security guards is comething to consider. The fact that they are indeed young and black is something to consider. I could go on and on listing facts here for consideration but then Maria might say that I'm being a racist or discriminating against young black Bahamian men. Wake up and smell the coffee Maria. Crime is on our doorsteps and its only drastic measures that are going to protect us from its effects.
Posted By: Psychic On: 11/4/2009
Title: Psychic101
Tourists at Jamaican resorts are warned about leaving the property. There are no tourists in Kingston. Therefore no businesses outside the resorts benefit from the tourist dollar. And we are well on our way; two Bay St shootings (one fatal), groups of tourist held at gunpoint and robbed, now this. The security fence and armed police with soon perimeter all resorts. That will be attractive.
Posted By: Honestman On: 11/4/2009
Title:
Well said Erasmus. A good education system is the bedrock of any succesful society. This is why many of the countries in Asia have overtaken the West economically and soon they will have a better quality of life. We in the West have become lazy and we no longer value education nor understand its importance. Incidents like the one we are discussing is a sympton of the complete failure of the Bahamas Education system over successive governments. There are so many good and couragous teachers out there not being properly paid or resourced - it is no surprise that they get discouraged and leave the profession. The problem is that many young Bahamian males do not know any better. They have no vision beyond the ghetto existance (applies to junglist young girls too). This is due to a lack of education and proper parenting. One leads to the other. Government MUST realise before it is too late that more resources and priority needs to be given to properly educating the youth. It is no easy task and complicated by the influx of illegal immigrant children that are given free education. Failure to realise the need to invest in education will result in many more incidents like we experienced on Saturday and, as Erasmus has pointed out, will result in the death of our tourism industry and the comfortable way of life that Bahamians have enjoyed this last 20 years or so.
Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 11/4/2009
Title: Dangerously Naive
@Maria Your comments are dangerously naive for the well being of this country. You simply do not see the bigger picture. If tourism is threatened, then any hope of development in other sectors becomes impossible as well. Making excuses for morons toting hand guns is simply unacceptable. Put your pity and charity to better use. Furthermore, doesn't it occur to anyone that Atlantis is a CASINO resort. What kind of moronic parents think that dropping their kids off at a hotel where there is CASINO gambling, drinking, undoubtedly some level of prostitution and other nefarious 'adult' activities occurring is a good place to have their kids 'hang out'. Please, by your writing, you are more intelligent than this. The truth is our youth are behaving like ignorant bastards and they do not know how to treat or talk to women, nor they know how to behave in public. That is a failure on our part, but if we don't protect our tourism then the situation will get drastically worse, far far worse. One need only look at Jamaica or Haiti to see how bad a Caribbean slum can really get. Do you want that? If not, think again and put your time and effort to better use. Don't be so naive to have a bleeding heart for moronic youth and their moronic parents who should KNOW BETTER! The slackness in this country must stop or capital will flee this place and we will be left with ghost shell hotels and a bankrupt treasury. Bahamians don't be naive! The Travolta fiasco and this are just two headlines worldwide that we should be very concerned about, but we should be taking action about our problems, rather than just constantly reacting. Now, the s%^& has hit the proverbial fan! Wake up Bahamas: Forward, Upward, Onward, Together! Right? Just do it already! Awareness, education and action. Stop the ghetto creep!
Posted By: Pissed Off Even More On: 11/4/2009
Title: Maria the Moron
Obviously if Maria wants to say this is a black and white issue, she has to be one of the morons. Hand guns are illegal in this country. No ass should be toting them around anywhere. These obviously low IQ, damaged DNA people should be banished to a cay well away from any tourists. I am starting to be concerned about letting anyone know I am a Bahamian due to the huge amount of retarded, uneducated, willfully ignorant idiots who make press for this country from this gun toting tourism threatening morons to the idiot South Andros MP all the way to Maria who thinks getting violence away from tourism is a racist issue. Oh Lord, why did we wind up with these incredible stupid, self centered asses?
Posted By: Enuf with the slackness On: 11/4/2009
Title:
I think we have a jungless attitude that is becoming more of the norm. Joe Blow is right to a point. I would like to have a place to take my kids when they become teenagers. How do we change the attitudes? We have have to do an all out attack on it - not just in the schools, but the young adults, and adults too. We used to know how to behave when we went out, we CAN get back to that. If enough people talk about it, mentor people, correct people (gently with love), they might see the error of their ways and try to behave in a more civilized way. Everybody has to get out of their comfort zone, target one or two people that you're going to work with, and get it done. If we all did it, we'll see some changes.
Posted By: Maria On: 11/4/2009
Title: So what you all are saying
is that tourists should only stay within the protected walls of Atlantis because The Bahamas is not safe? There have been many instances at Atlantis where the guests have been the problem yet we do not ban guests. I could write a list of the crazies who have visited Atlantis. It will always be this way, there will be violent guests and violent locals.
Posted By: Joe Blow On: 11/4/2009
Title: Good idea, but....
Gail -- great idea.... but.... who in his right mind will open a business catering to these rude, misguided, dangerous kids? Yes, as with everything, this is probably a case of a few rotten apples making it tough for everyone, but that's the way life works. It seems no matter what story we're commenting on, what the headline of the day is.... we keep coming back to the same root problems.... how do we (forget government, forget corporate Bahamas, forget the church) How do WE THE PEOPLE do something to fix these ills that are crippling us?
Posted By: Gail H On: 11/4/2009
Title: Sad..
I co-sign with "Enuf with the slackness" - there really is nothing for teens to do here. Business owners, instead of opening another gas station or convenience store, why not a place for teens? Our young people need more places to socialize and maybe they wouldn't be so "hot up" to hang out at a hotel.
Posted By: Enuf with the slackness On: 11/4/2009
Title: I support Atlantis too!!
A big part of the problem, is that there is very little for teenagers to do. I listened to Ed Fields talk on Immediate Response saying that no hotel in the states is overrun by local people coming there to hang out. I'd never thought about it like that. I feel for the security guards, it's going to be a tough task, and there will be plenty accusations of profiling. But they gattie do, what dey gattie do!!! - This could be an opportunity for some good bonding between parents and teens :)
Posted By: Tamiko On: 11/4/2009
Title: I Support Atlantis 1000%
Maria, unfortunately tourists do need to be insulated from some of our youths because they are "dangerous" and misguided oh...and rude piss tail children. I sincerely hope for the benefit of those who have expressed deep resentment towars Atlantis for their proposed plan of action, that these seem people will be able to provide the thousands of Bahamians that works over at Atlantis with alternative jobs because obviously some people are not seeing the bigger picture. Oh, and for the record I am a black Bahamian who have witnessed the behaviour of some of our prized youths while they parade back and forth throughout the Atlantis property.
Posted By: Joe Blow On: 11/4/2009
Title: we bring it on ourselves
Maria -- we bring it on ourselves by being a group of people who don't know how to behave, have no respect for ourselves, for others, or for basic societal rules and standards. I would hate to see Bahamians banned from the property, but unless we can figure out how to control ourselves, we get what we deserve. And I've been over at Marina Village many nights and been amazed at the hoardes of young bahamians - black, white and everything else - roaming around unaccompanied.
Posted By: Honestman On: 11/4/2009
Title: Atlantis Shooting
Maria, Regretably, tourists DO have to be insulated from the robbers and gun toting criminals, many of whom are teenagers. Only a few weeks ago, tourists were being robbed at the top of the Queen's Staircase! Sorry but you are being naive if you think otherwise.
Posted By: Maria On: 11/4/2009
Title: Yeah Rosie
Barr them all...that is what Atlantis has wanted from day one.
Posted By: Rosie On: 11/4/2009
Title: I TOTALLY AGREE...BARR THEM!!
I was always surprised at how open the entry to Marina Village was, I knew it was only a matter of time before something happened there. I think they ought to close off all entrances to the Marina Village and only enter through the hotel lobby. They have to always put the safety of the guests first! Bahamian young men and some young women just don't know how to behave. I don't blame Kerzner for not wanting them over there!! Barr them all!
Posted By: Maria On: 11/4/2009
Title: Atlantis Shooting
Honestman, Yes I am for real. Atlantis has wanted locals out for years and what you are suggesting is that tourists need to be insulated against Bahamians because the Bahamian youth are dangerous. While we are at it, let's just discourage Atlantis guests from visiting Nassau because...ya know...it's dangerous. I maintain that this was more than likely an argument that carried over the bridge and not one that started there. For the record I am white.
Posted By: Honestman On: 11/4/2009
Title: Atlantis Shooting
Maria, are you for real? What does it matter what went on between the parties concerned. The fact is there was a shooting inside Marina Village and that is a major worry for Atlantis and the Bahamas. Atlantis is perfectly within its rights to ban unacompanied teenagers from its premises whether they be blalck, white or whatever colour. There is no need to play the race card here. Atlantis have been really patient over the years in trying to keep its resort open to all but they clearly have to do something to protect their investment which is absolutely critical in maintaining jobs for this country.
Posted By: Maria On: 11/4/2009
Title: Something else is going on here
Teens don't shoot people because they are being turned away from young tourist visitors. Something went on between these security guards and these young men and it was not girls (at least not the tourist variety). I would be willing to bet that this incident started off the bridge. Yes, I can understand why Atlantis would want to simplify this matter to get locals off property but come on people. So, is Atlantis going to bar every black male from public property on Paradise Island?
Posted By: Pissed Off On: 11/3/2009
Title: The Morons Strike Again
Moronic children from moron parents are at it again. HOLD THE PARENTS LIABLE. Put a stop to this nonsense. It will not take too long for these ignorant bastards (which they have an over 60% chance of being) to screw up our economy and society. I am tired of politicians making excuses to protect votes.
Posted By: Shannye On: 11/3/2009
Title: About time
All guests should be required to provide ID if you're not over 18 or better yet over 21.... sorry. Other places need to implement this note to Leslie miller and the new Bowling Alley/ Entertainment Plaza, if you want moneyed adults to patronize make sure your place is not overrun with idle teenyboppers.
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