THERE HAS BEEN concern that Barbados’ reputation as a safe holiday destination will be marred by the crime wave which has gripped the island.
That concern intensified last week after businessman Alfredo Giovine was assaulted when two masked men robbed his Tapas restaurant in Hastings, Christ Church. Giovine estimated that about 80 patrons were in the restaurant at the time and the majority of them were tourists.
Many online readers shared his view that the country’s main revenue earner could take a hit. Some also felt the Richard Haynes Boardwalk was too dark.
Maureen Tull: Not just a blow for him but for Barbados that will put some folk off for life. They will talk of this terrifying experience, thereby putting potential visitors off.
Celia Harewood: These criminals are ruining the reputation that Barbados has as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
Ann Annie Bowen: This foolishness getting ridiculous now! That whole boardwalk is too dark at night. [I] went there the other night and did not feel safe at all.
Gene Groseclose: I been coming to Christ Church for many years but reading of all the crime that is happening now along with the shootings, it sounds just like the States. Might as well stay home and hope for the best. It’s a shame that is happening in paradise.
Helena L. Clarke: Here we go again. When is this foolishness going to stop? All Barbados have going for them is tourism. You fools are killing it slowly. Stop the violence.
Antonio Filigheddu: I visited Barbados two times and I met Alfredo. I am very sorry for him and for Barbados. I read a lot of bad news these days and this does not help tourism.
Samantha: These stupid criminals don’t understand that if the tourists don’t come, the country is worse off. No one will want to visit or invest. There [are] hardly any jobs. What will you do when the tourist industry disappears?
Shauna Layne: Tapas restaurant is situated near a beach where every and anyone walks on the boardwalk which is situated at the back of the restaurant. It doesn’t have as much lighting as it should. And where they have their cash register situated is really poor; anyone passing by can see when they are handling money. I’m not surprised it got robbed; it was something I figured would have happened eventually. I hope this does not change the minds of tourists and locals alike from eating there.
Janet Carrano Crean: I too have been there many times and the other comments are correct. The boardwalk, especially in certain areas where there are no restaurants, just vacant land, is very, very dark. You have to be very aware of who is around and behind you. Having a safe where only a certain amount of cash is kept in the register could be considered, but it is such an open type restaurant anyone who wants to grab anything will do so. I’m sure this is an isolated incident because I’ve always felt safe in Barbados.
• Natasha Beckles is a Nation Online staffer.
