The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) yesterday said any criminal act impacting the industry and its guests is “one too many” following the weekend’s John Bull robbery.

The association, in a statement on the theft from the luxury goods retailer’s Baha Mar store, said it “continues to recognise the important role ‘Safety and Security’ plays in our ability to attract visitors to the destination. We applaud the efforts of the public and private sector to address and mitigate incidents of crime, as any occurrence of wrongdoing - on any scale - is one too many.”

It added: “The Bahamas as a tourism destination, alongside our regional and global competitors, is fully aware that ‘perception’ is ‘reality’ in the business of tourism. We will continue to collaborate with private and public sector partners to address the topic of crime and safety, and to spread the message that The Bahamas is a safe destination of choice.”

Two men are wanted by police following the “smash and grab” robbery at the John Bull store at Baha Mar on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the duo entered the store located near the resort’s western entrance at around 3pm, smashed several showcases and stole an assortment of watches and jewellery before fleeing the Cable Beach property on foot.

The men were said to be unarmed, or at the very least not brandishing weapons. There were no injuries reported, police said.

Baha Mar, in a statement following the incident, said: “We sincerely regret the incident that took place at the John Bull store today. The safety and security of our guests and associates is our first priority. The incident is currently under ongoing local police investigation with which we are fully co-operating to ensure that the matter is resolved imminently.”