Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

E

ight Americans who were robbed while on vacation in Runaway Bay last year, say they have not been fully compensated for the incident and are planning to sue the owners of the resort.

The four couples visited the island in June 2006 and were expecting to have the time of their lives. Four days after they arrived and checked into the Whiffle-Tree Villa in Runaway Bay, St.Ann, however, they were robbed by three armed men.

One of the victims, Sandra Borke, recounted the events to THE STAR, "It happened about 8:40 p.m. We were in the main living area and we were in the middle of a board game. Two men entered through the kitchen holding hand guns and they were also wearing vests that said 'policia' and they had hand written numbers on the back."

She said the men accused them of having drugs and then forced them into a room at gunpoint. They were told to comply with all the men's requests and were also ordered to lie face down and not look at their attackers. Borke revealed that her husband and another male visitor lifted their heads slightly and were both assaulted. "My husband was kicked in the ribs really hard and our other friend was kicked in the head," she said.

One gunman led the women by one into another room where they were robbed of cash, jewellery, various pieces of equipment and their drivers' licences, while the other two robbed the men. According to Borke, the men made off with approximately US $4000 (JA$ 288,000). One female was also reportedly slapped in the face when she pretended that she was ill and refused to comply.

Borke said the police were notified and took several detailed statements from all the victims. She also added that the officers advised them to leave the Runaway Bay area as they thought the men would possibly return after learning that money had been wired to them.

She said the owner of the resort's parent company, Gary Hoy, had made arrangements for them to stay at Breezes Runaway Bay, but said because of the advice they received from the police, they moved to Sandals, Montego Bay instead. "We made reservations in Montego Bay because they told us to get away from that area. Everyone agreed that we would not stay at Breezes and it was understood that we would leave the area."

She said they were promised that they would be refunded all the additional costs they had to withstand, but said all they received from Hoy was a cheque for US $1437.43 (JA$ 103,464). She revealed that they had spent a total of US$3600 (JA$ 259,200). They plan to sue for US $100,000 (JA$7.2mil) in damages.

She told THE STAR, "There were medical bills and it was a traumatic experience. We had to receive counselling when we got back home and we couldn't sleep at nights. I feel we were misled because they didn't have much security and I feel that we were in terrible danger."

Both Borke and her husband vow that they will never return to Jamaica and said, "It's a shame because we really liked Jamaica, and it was our first time there. But I feel like we can't take that chance again."

An officer from the Runaway Bay Police Station confirmed that the robbery had indeed taken place and said no arrests have been made.