ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (21 Feb 2009) — Known among yachties as "death island", Antigua is struggling to prop up its collapsing tourism industry as local gang members kill and rob tourists in broad daylight. Local tourism officials criticized police for failing to provide adequate security after gangs went on a one-day robbery spree day before yesterday that victimized tourists from four cruise ships including the Caribbean Princess, Azamar, Costa Atlantica and Thompson Destiny. Two weeks ago, two tourists were assaulted and robbed at Redcliffe Quay, a popular shopping area for holiday visitors. In January, two tourists were robbed at Fort James Beach. Death island Also in January, Australian yacht skipper, Drew Gollan, 38, was gunned down and killed near a police station at English Harbour while trying to protect his wife, who was also shot, and their baby daughter. Following Gollan's murder, yacht owners left the island in droves. In July last year, British newlyweds Ben and Catherine Mullany were brutally tortured and murdered in their room at the Cocos Bay Resort in Antigua. According to General Manager of the Antigua Hotel and Tourist Association (AHTA), Neil Forrester, a flood of cancellations, mostly at Cocos Bay Resort and Sandals Hotel, amounted to a loss of more than a million dollars. President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association (A&BCTA) Nathan Dundas said the failure of police to protect tourists has ruined Antigua's tourism industry. "This is ridiculous," Dudas told reporters. "I don't understand what is going on, we have been asking for more security but all of our pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears." | 
