The Cruise Director of the visiting cruise ship MV Serenissima was attacked and robbed early yesterday morning on Lombard Street, Georgetown, as he was returning to the ship following an outing.
Sunday Stabroek understands that Neil Horrocks was relieved of his iPhone, US$120 and a bank card during the attack, which took place around 1.05 am.
Horrocks sustained injuries to his hands and was treated by a doctor on board his vessel, this newspaper was told.
Horrocks, according to police sources, had ventured to a city night spot on Main Street, Georgetown, where he was reportedly drinking. From there he boarded a taxi and disembarked in the vicinity of Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street, where he was then attacked by two men.
The robbery was reported to the police, who are investigating
No arrest was made up to yesterday afternoon.
The MV Serenissima arrived on Friday morning and docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation wharf in Georgetown for a three-day visit.
In a statement issued yesterday, Wilderness Explorers, the local tour operator for the ship, called the incident regrettable.
“It is with deep regret that this took place whilst we try to develop the Tourism sector in Guyana. We do not believe the actions of the individual who perpetrated this attack are representative of the people of Guyana nor of the warm welcome universally received by those on the ship since it arrived,” it said.
Wilderness Explorers explained that with safety in mind, it scheduled an evening tour to facilitate individuals who wished to experience Guyana’s nightlife, so there would be no need for any guest to venture out on their own.
“Unfortunately, despite the advice provided one member of the crew did venture out on their own late at night. Sadly, they were robbed but fortunately not seriously injured,” the company noted. It did not identify Horrocks.
“Following the unprovoked attack, Wilderness Explorers and their tourism partners are doing everything they can to ensure future incidents do not occur. Unfortunately, it is a reality that the only port that is equipped with the infrastructure to accommodate a cruise ship is located in a less than “tourist friendly” area,” it added.
The company also noted that in preparation for the arrival of the ship, it received “the utmost support and cooperation from the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Police Force, the Department of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority and all the associated agencies. “The police partnered in every scheduled tour for the guests on board the ship,” it said.
