Hoteliers’ body seeks urgent crime talks

Tourism officials have sought urgent discussions with the government as concerns mount over visitor safety and the country’s security situation, it was revealed Tuesday.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has requested a meeting with Attorney General Dale Marshall, said BHTA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Forde. He revealed that the association has already met with The Barbados Police Service and is exploring ways for the private sector to assist, including providing funding for additional equipment.

“Crime affects both locals and visitors alike, and while we have also been involved in meetings with The Barbados Police Service and other agencies to address concerns around the recent upsurge of which were shared, we are still anxious to hear further on this,” Forde said at the BHTA’s Quarterly Media Briefing on Tuesday.

“Just like all other stakeholders and citizens, we are very interested in two things: One—how can we play a bigger role in addressing both the crime challenges the island is facing and the transportation challenges? And two—what are the plans to address these challenges?”

Forde emphasised that hoteliers and tourism operators need to be part of the conversation to ensure that crime does not impact visitor confidence in Barbados.

“We are also hoping to meet respectfully with the attorney general and the Tourism Ministry, to address the crime situation, as we have written to the AG’s office, and are awaiting a response to confirm when we can meet,” he added.

The BHTA chief noted that while awaiting confirmation for a formal meeting, the association has already been working with the police and exploring ways to provide assistance “as a private sector association with funding towards any additional equipment that they may need”.

“Once we have the meeting with the attorney general and commissioner of police, we will be able to see where the BHTA can assist further, as we have done in the past.”

Forde commended law enforcement’s efforts, noting that officers have been responsive to incidents involving the tourism industry.

“It would be remiss of me to not publicly express our thanks to The Barbados Police Service for their timely responses to reports and their continued guidance in these matters,” he said. (SM)