In response to the recent spate of crimes in tourist areas, Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham pledged more police patrols on foot and by car in the tourist sectors and more timely hearings and trials in the courts, according to the Nassau Guardian.

Nassau police continued to question several people in connection with the recent robberies of cruise groups near the port.

No one has yet been charged in the robberies of Royal Caribbean and Disney cruise passengers on Nov. 19 and another incident on Oct. 11 that also involved cruise passengers.

In a statement from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Director General Vernice Walkine said, "For the majority of passengers, their visit is a welcome experience. However, recent robbery incidents have caused us to taken even more seriously the procedures which are in place to assure the safety of our guests."