British couple Philip and Ann Prior were shot in an attempted robbery while on Hincks Street, The City, last month. Now back in Britain, they were interviewed by the BBC and said they would be willing to return. This letter was sent by the Priors to the NATION.
On Sunday, March 17, not long after attending the Commonwealth Day service at St?Michael’s Cathedral, my wife and I, whilst returning to our cruise ship, were the victims of a shooting incident well documented in your columns.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest thanks to the many well-wishers we met during our enforced stay in Barbados as a result of this situation, but especially to the emergency ambulance crews, the nurses and medical staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with special thanks to Dr?Jeetu Nebhnani and Drs Young and Yapp, whose professionalism and reassurance enabled Ann and?me to deal with the trauma of hospitalization more easily.
To Richard Moore of Platinum Port Agency for his tireless efforts in coordinating all parties involved and alleviating us of any and every administrative worry.
Also to Martin Ince, chairman of Platinum, [for] his invaluable behind-the-scenes help.
To Ruth Phillips of the Barbados Tourism Authority.
To Barbados’ Minister of Tourism for taking time out to visit us.
To the Very Reverend Dr?Frank Marshall, Dean of St Michael’s, for his spiritual help and prayers at our bedside.
To the anonymous provider of the private jet that took us to St?Kitts to rejoin our ship and pilot Jason Teller and his crew for getting us there safely and efficiently.
To all officers of the Royal Barbados?Police Force (RBPF) with whom we had contact, who went about their job with understanding, courtesy and professionalism which quickly led to the arrest of two suspects.
To the manager and staff of the Aquatica Resort and last, but by no means least, to Joan Williams of the RBPF?Victim Support Programme, whose almost 24/7 assistance to my wife gave her the strength to cope with the trauma of the whole affair.
The people of Barbados should be justly proud of their public servants and?tourist industry employees who, when asked to step up to the plate, did so with distinction.
My Barbadian heroes now number many more than Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Garfield Sobers!
We hope to be able to return to Barbados in the not too distant future to enjoy a more relaxing typical Barbadian holiday.
Our grateful thanks.
– ANN?AND? PHIL?PRIOR
