By Denise Clarke and Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReportersFIFTEEN TOURISTS were robbed, with one being chopped and severely wounded, when gunmen invaded Tigress Cottages in the West End area of Negril, Westmoreland, yesterday morning.
The police say they have held at least four of the suspect, with a senior detective stating that "two of the men have been identified as residents of Seaview Gardens in western St. Andrew."
Up to late yesterday, the police were refusing to divulge the details of the incident which has put a damper on the booming tourism industry in the area.
However, according to the Consta-bulary Communication Network, a group of men armed with guns entered the property about 3 o'clock and tied up the security guard. They robbed guests of cash and jewellery. A guest was injured during the incident and was treated at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital.
Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Minister of State for Tourism, yesterday said that crime would not be allowed to mar the sector's success.
"We are looking at an extremely good (tourist) season, which has the possibility of growing into a great summer and an even better winter next year. We are going to do everything to protect it," he declared.
At Tigress Cottages yesterday afternoon, police stationed at the entrance barred photographers from taking pictures.
In the aftermath of the robbery, senior police officers from the parish met for several hours. However, when The Gleaner spoke with Deputy Supt. Lascelles Taylor, who is in charge of the Negril police, and Supt. Cecil Fletcher, head of the Westmoreland Police Division, both men said they were not aware of the incident.
"What incident?" asked Supt. Fletcher when quizzed by The Gleaner as he emerged from the meeting at the Negril Police Station. "I don't know anything about any incident on the West End."
Also, he denied reports that the station was being serviced by only one patrol vehicle. While making it clear that he was not denying the report, Supt. Fletcher said he was not aware that there was a shortage of patrol vehicles.
Dr. McNeill, who is the Member of Parliament for the area, said three rental-car companies would be providing four motor vehicles for use by the police, two of which are expected to arrive at the Negril Police Station today.
"We have had some discussions with the U-Drive Association and so far they have committed four vehicles, the first two are expected to land... (Tuesday) and this should help us cut down on the response time," he said.
Yesterday's incident was the second robbery involving tourists, which has attracted media attention in recent months. In September, gunmen invaded Falcon Cottages, also located in the West End area, and robbed several tourists of more than $30,000 in cash and valuables. Robert Legg, the gardener employed by the property, was shot dead during that robbery.
