The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism apologizes after police raided a cruise party owned by an American, black gay-owned event firm.
The October 6 incident at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nassau was first reported by Joe Hawkins, the Oakland-based event promoter with Club Rimshot, and, was "attended by approximately 250" American citizens "and nearly 200 local Bahamian guests", says DaJuan Xavier, the executive director of Ebony Pyramid Entertainment, the popular Washington DC-based promotions form. "The dozen or so police were well armed in full riot-style gear. In addition to their gear, they entered the facility with one of the policeman videotaping the crowd." Xavier says members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force briefly interrogated him and "ordered the bartenders to 'Shut it down!'"
The island's leading newspaper, The Nassau Guardian, published the written apology from Tourism Director General Vernice Walkine who explained the officers were investigating a complaint and "are awaiting the police force's official statement on the matter, but do however, wish to assure you that the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation does not condone discrimination in any form."
It's a significant development that the Bahamian government is mindful of tourist dollars and doing the right thing by apologizing to gay tourists. Unfortunately, the government is not as respectful of their own LGBT population.
Tourism Ministry Apologizes to Gay Tourists [Guardian]
LGBT Caribbean Cruise Raided by Police [Cuppa Joe]
Bahamas Police Harass Gay Tourists [Tribune]
Some Background ...
Christian Activists in the Bahamas Oppose LOGO [R20]
Teen Beauty Queen Comes Out Under Fire [R20]
When Worlds Collide [R20]
I've been on taht cruise before, it's very nice. Thanks for the update.
Posted by: greg g | 19 October 2007 at 19:59
Is the Bahamas the same island where Rosie's cruise was harrassed?
Posted by: timothy | 19 October 2007 at 20:37
And, yet they allowed and loved the Anna Nicole, may she rest in peace, side show with open arms. When will these so called "authorities see that the only thing that matters in poor countries is GREEN or other tourist money? Not sexuality, sheesh.
I think Ro's was Bermuda.
Posted by: Luther | 20 October 2007 at 10:24