That is the view of Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge who last night admitted he is shocked by recent robberies on the Island.

He is particularly concerned about attacks on visitors at local hotels and guest houses.

Only this week four visitors were held up close to the Southampton Princess Hotel and a woman was robbed in the corridor of the Hamilton Princess. But there have been a number of robberies and attempted robberies recently signalling a sharp rise over the first three months of this year.

Police believe many of the robbers are drug addicts desperate for cash to buy heroin, which has resurfaced as the drug of choice on the Island.

"I deplore the cycle of violence that has involved our visitors and embarrassed Bermuda,'' Mr. Woolridge said. "I do not think anyone should be subjected to the type of things that they have been put through.'' Mr. Woolridge said he deplored violence in any form but he was particularly concerned that visitors, who are vital to the Island's economy, should be the victims.

He said: "This sends the wrong message to the market place. We are spending millions of dollars on tourism which is at risk when all this violence is going on.

"We are biting the hand that feeds us.'' The Minister believes that when the perpetrators are caught it should be spelt out to them just how much damage they could do to the whole community. He said: "I hope that somebody will be able to reckon with these people so they can reconsider the folly of their ways.'' Mr. Woolridge stressed people should realise the benefits that they gain because of visitors to the Island every year.

Tourism and international trade are two main sources of revenue in Bermuda and Mr. Woolridge believes both could suffer because of violent crimes.

He said many people came to Bermuda on vacation or to set up business because it was seen as a safe haven away from violence in the towns and streets of their own countries.

He said: "I am calling on the people of Bermuda to eradicate this violence.

They must make the strongest efforts to stop this sort of thing going on in our society.

"If this safe image no longer exists because of crime then Bermuda is doomed.''