Repeat Offender Jailed for Robbing Cruise Visitor in Antigua

A man with an extensive criminal background has been sentenced to prison following a violent robbery involving a British cruise passenger in the historic center of St. John’s, Antigua.

Local media reported that Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel imposed a 30-month prison sentence on Wednesday on 33-year-old Junior Emmanuel of Federation Road. Emmanuel pleaded guilty to robbing an elderly visitor who had come ashore from a cruise ship late last year.

The attack occurred on November 29, 2025, along Charles Henry Lane near the Cathedral Church, a well-known area for sightseeing cruise tourists. According to reports, Emmanuel approached the victim from behind and forcefully pulled her fanny pack, breaking the strap and causing her to fall to the ground. He then fled with personal belongings that included her passport, mobile phone, and cash.

Emmanuel was arrested on December 1, 2025, and has remained in custody since then. Time already spent in detention will be credited toward his sentence.

While the case resulted in a prompt arrest and conviction, concerns about visitor safety in areas popular with cruise passengers remain. Police issued warnings last year after two cruise visitors were robbed at Fort James Beach, another frequently visited cruise destination, prompting an increased law enforcement presence in those areas.

Tourism officials in Antigua have acknowledged the importance of protecting the island’s image as a safe and welcoming Caribbean destination, particularly as the country has recently experienced one of its busiest cruise seasons on record.