BHTA pushes national tourism safety strategy

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has proposed a national public safety strategy to specifically protect the island’s tourism amidst growing concern over violent crime.

The suggestion follows a recent spike in violent crime, including an attack on a tourist near Carlisle Bay on Sunday.

BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith outlined a broad set of priority measures the organisation believes should form the basis of a national tourism safety strategy.

The proposed national public safety strategy includes a specialised police unit with hospitality and visitor engagement training, as well as faster judicial processing for violent and gun-related offences.

Griffith said: “There must be a significantly increased and more visible police presence across tourism districts, nightlife zones, beaches, major events, and high traffic commercial areas. Visitors and residents alike must feel safe and protected throughout the island, particularly during evenings and weekends when incidents are more likely to occur.”

He also stressed the need for greater investment in surveillance and security infrastructure, including “expanded CCTV coverage, improved street lighting, integrated monitoring systems, and enhanced emergency response coordination between law enforcement agencies and private sector operators.”

The BHTA chairman further proposed stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, tourism stakeholders, and the private sector.

“The establishment of structured tourism security partnerships and regular intelligence sharing mechanisms would greatly improve prevention efforts and response capabilities.

“We strongly support greater investment in intelligence-led policing, border security enhancements, and stronger action against illegal firearms and organized criminal activity. Crime prevention must become increasingly proactive rather than reactive.”

Griffith warned that the recent incidents pose a threat not only to public safety but also to Barbados’ reputation internationally as a safe destination.

“These incidents strike at the very heart of Barbados’ international reputation and threaten the sense of safety and stability that visitors and residents alike have long associated with this country.

“Tourism remains one of the primary engines of the Barbadian economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly.”

The BHTA is becoming increasingly concerned that violent incidents, once concentrated mainly on the island’s west and south coasts, are now spreading across the island, Griffith said.  

“It’s almost a weekly occurrence for there to be some shooting or stabbing somewhere in Barbados, and not just somewhere in Barbados, they’re happening increasingly closer to tourist zones…These actions are now moving from the west coast and the south coast and now they’re going to the east coast. It is getting worse.”

The chairman also raised concern over the circulation of these incidents on social media platforms and the impact they could have on Barbados’ image internationally.

“There’s a Facebook group of well over 5000 members called Barbados Travelers, where even the most recent incident over the weekend has been all over that page, being discussed with some very negative commentary by both visitors and locals,” Griffith disclosed, while warning that Barbados could not afford to be complacent when it comes to public safety and maintaining confidence in the destination.

“The BHTA strongly believes that urgent, visible, and decisive national action is required to restore confidence, strengthen community safety, and reassure both residents and visitors that Barbados remains committed to maintaining law, order, and social stability.”

The hotelier also underscored the importance of investing in youth development initiatives.

“We must address the underlying social and economic factors contributing to crime, particularly among vulnerable young people who may feel disconnected from opportunity and national progress.”

He also called for “greater use of technology and data analytics to identify crime trends and hotspots.”

The BHTA chairman further highlighted the need for rehabilitation, mentorship, and community-based programmes aimed at reducing repeat offending and creating opportunities for young people.

“Enhanced rehabilitation and community reintegration programs aimed at reducing repeat offending. Stronger public education programs, promoting conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and national pride. Improved transportation safety standards, particularly within nightlife and entertainment corridors. Increased investment in community recreation, sports, and youth development initiatives. More consistent maintenance of public spaces, beaches, and tourism corridors to reinforce a sense of order, pride, and security.”

Griffith revealed that the BHTA has already held separate discussions with the Barbados Police Service and the former Attorney General on the issue and believes the conversation should continue through the Social Partnership framework.

 

(LG)