The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she will engage the cruise industry after a violent clash involving American cruise passengers at Nassau Cruise Port, saying she was “extremely disappointed” by the incident and concerned by a “couple incidents recently” involving visitors.

Her comments came days after six American cruise passengers were fined more than $47,000 after pleading guilty to offences stemming from a violent altercation at the port that spilled into the Tourism Police Station.

According to police, the incident began when officers responded to a fight involving cruise passengers in the port area. The confrontation escalated after several suspects were taken into custody, leaving police officers injured, damaging a police station door and triggering attempts to resist arrest and escape custody.

Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows imposed thousands of dollars in fines after the defendants admitted to charges that included assaulting police officers, disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest and causing damage.

Speaking to reporters yesterday during an event marking the launch of a new Tampa-to-Nassau air service, Mrs Hanna-Martin said The Bahamas must continue to present itself as a destination defined by “beauty and peace and order” while ensuring positive interactions between visitors and Bahamians.

“You know, I was really extremely disappointed what I saw,” Mrs Hanna-Martin said. “And so I will be in dialogue with the cruise industry, because we've had a couple incidents recently that are major concern, and we want to send a message that all who come here come to a place of beauty and peace and order, and that what we offer as a people is just incredible, and we would like all who come to participate and to enjoy.”

Mrs Hanna-Martin said maintaining positive interactions between visitors and residents is critical because tourism remains the country’s leading economic driver.

“On the other side, we have an expectation that our own people will understand this important interface, because it endures not just to that one-on-one experience, but to the bigger, wider picture of the prosperity of the Bahamian people,” she said.

Despite her concern over the recent incidents, Mrs Hanna-Martin said tourism indicators remain positive heading into the peak summer season.

She said July is expected to be a “hefty month” for the industry, with continued growth in cruise arrivals and airlift supporting broader economic activity.

“We're looking forward to July, which is expected to be a hefty month, and we're hoping that it's one that brings great economy to The Bahamas, and one that is a happy exchange between cultures and people,” Mrs Hanna-Martin said.

Mrs Hanna-Martin said cruise arrivals have surpassed 10 million passengers and noted the continued importance of stopover visitors arriving by air, who typically remain in the country for several days and contribute more directly to hotels and other sectors of the economy.

“We have to ensure that we maximise and really embellish the experience of people who come here because it has critical meaning for all of us,” she said.