Date Posted: January 29, 2009.

The Hon. Victor F. Banks, Minister of Tourism, issued a release today, in regards to a recent spate of robberies on the island.  The release in its entirety is as follows:

"Over the past three weeks there have been at least three attacks and robberies on restaurants and restaurateurs on the island especially after closing time. In one of these incidents two owners (a couple) were cowardly and viciously attacked with what was apparently a blunt instrument by two assailants wearing masks and dark clothing.

The Government of Anguilla is deeply concerned about these cowardly acts against hardworking individuals who are playing their part in building Anguilla’s reputation as a premiere tourism destination. Government is especially sympathetic to those who sustained serious injuries as a result of these unpardonable acts. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery.

The Royal Anguilla Police Force has been working assiduously on these cases and has detained and questioned a number of persons in connection with these criminal acts. The Commissioner of Police has solicited the support of the entire Anguillian community to provide any and all information regarding these matters which will be kept confidential, in the process, in order to bring these criminals to justice. It is noteworthy that the Royal Anguilla Police Force has been very successful in dealing with similar matters such that for a considerable period there has been a lull in the reports of incidents of this nature. The members of the Force have reassured the Public that they are very optimistic and that they hope to be equally successful in relation to this new wave of crime.

The Government of Anguilla is serious in its responsibility to maintain the virtually crime free environment for which Anguilla has been renown and will deploy all available resources to bringing an immediate halt to these negative trends. We also understand the importance of safety and security to enhancing our tourism product and indeed our overall national development. In this context, we are grateful to the various stakeholders who have expressed their concern and support to arrest these dangerous trends. There can be no excuses for this unconscionable behaviour."