The attack by armed thugs on guests and workers at a Jamaican resort hotel on Friday has drawn the outrage of one local private sector lobby.
By comparison, officials and industry leaders opted on Saturday to remain silent about reports that a group of gunmen forced their way into the FDR all-inclusive hotel, in Runaway Bay, St Ann, and staged a predawn robbery.
The gunmen allegedly robbed the night manager of more than $100,000 and attempted to rob two guests as they made their escape.
According to reports, the hoodlums fired at least two shots and left the hotel after the visitors refused their demands.
No guests or employees were injured during the incident.
The St Ann Chamber of Commerce blasted the “brazen and despicable acts of criminal elements”, noting that the incident “runs counter to our historical image as a parish of peace and harmony”.
“We must fully acknowledge that the nature and extent of crime has become an epidemic and an existential threat to the significant progress we have made, particularly in this case dealing with FDR and our tourism industry,” the lobby said in a statement.
“The issue is so extensive and insidious that it can no longer be seen as just a policing problem, but rather requires a forceful united response from every individual and group in the society.”
On Saturday, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett declined to comment when contacted by The Sunday Gleaner, pointing to the possible implications for Brand Jamaica.
Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, commanding officer for the St Ann Police Division, directed our news team to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit.
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Robin Russell said: “I really don’t have any information on the issue right now.”
The JHTA is the private sector lobby that represents hoteliers nationally.
Russell said he was still gathering information on the incident.
The country’s main parliamentary Opposition condemned the incident, saying the brazenness and violence exhibited by the perpetrators is “utterly unacceptable”.
Charging that Jamaica’s “crime situation” has worsened, Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism Senator Janice Allen said there is a need for “immediate and comprehensive” action from the security forces.
Allen said that the high-level investigation ordered by Police Commissioner Major Antony Anderson is a step in the right direction.
“We expect that all necessary resources will be allocated to ensure the swift apprehension and prosecution of the criminals involved,” she said.
The St Ann Chamber of Commerce also urged business operators in the industry to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of their security strategies, capabilities and capacity and to put the necessary measures in place to protect lives and assets.
Further, the group called on the Government to take “all steps required” to ensure the safety and protection of law-abiding citizens and visitors.
“Our communities are being threatened by violence, our families are being torn by violence and our faith is being tested by violence. We have an obligation to respond.”