A prominent New Amsterdam businessman was robbed of a bag containing his passport with a US visa, US$1,000, ATM cards and other important documents while waiting on the ferry at the Rosignol Stelling at around 3 am yesterday.

Hazrat Ally of Hazrat General Store of Main and Pitt streets, NA was seated at the back of the minibus with his wife, Sherifan while the driver was in the front seat. They had apparently "dozed off" during the incident.

Ally told Stabroek News the windows of the bus were closed and the bandit(s) must have opened the door and grabbed the bag. He said his wife got up suddenly, attempted to reach for the bag and then realized it was nowhere around.

They raised an alarm and also contacted the police who arrived shortly after. A few suspects were arrested and later released.

The businessman said they were returning from the airport and had to wait until 6 am to cross with the ferry. He feels that this act was carried out by a group of men who lurk around the area.

He said persons there are usually easy prey because they come from the airport and other places around that time, all tired and sleepy and there is no ferry to take them across.

According to Ally he also lost receipts and bills that he had gotten for purchases he made for his business.