Wednesday, April 17, 2013
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
CRUISE ship officials are concerned that crime levels in New Providence – in particular downtown Nassau – are escalating at a pace no longer safe for passengers, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
While visitors have not yet been advised to remain on board ship, the Minister said they have been cautioned to take proper safety measures and be informed of previous instances of crimes against tourists.
The concerns, he said, were raised last week in a meeting by several executives. His announcement also came just moments after Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade reported that the latest overall crime numbers were down.
Speaking with The Tribune outside the Cabinet office, Mr Wilchcombe said the Ministry of Tourism has to now take a serious approach at ensuring that visitors are safe in the Bahamas.
“They are concerned about (crime),” he said , “and they are very reluctant to advise in some instances because of what has happened in the past, particularly to the crew members.
“They are telling them not to go out or only attend Senior Frogs. A lot of the young folks go there. At all times I think it is imperative for us as the host country to make sure that we have necessary security in place to protect the guests.
“So we have to be even more vigilant in the Ministry of Tourism. Together with the police we have to make sure that we have the security required for the protection of our guests.”
As a much sought after destination, Mr Wilchcombe also stressed the need for authorities to get a handle on crime in the country.
“We just need to be on top of things and the situation because we are a high-end destination. Because we are, what differentiates us from the rest of the world is our quality. So our product has to be the best and that includes people feeling safe when they are in this country.”
He said local authorities have already agreed to work with Tourism officials in that regard.
“The police have no difficulty. They understand that things have changed in the world and crime has just expanded all over the world with the types of crime. So the police work with us to ensure that we can deliver the service that we must,” the Minister said.
Comments
lazybor says...
so, crime has expanded all over the world, and we cannot guarantee that our country is a safe harbour for tourism...this sounds like a lame excuse!<img src="http://tinyurl.com/c7l9ck6" width="1">
Posted 17 April 2013, 11:19 a.m. Suggest removal
larry says...
there are terrorist acts going on in America are Bahamians being advised and warned how many Bahamians were robed and murdered in the Great united states i have heard the horror stories what about our safety when we travel.are there no crimes in America watch the news
Posted 17 April 2013, 11:50 a.m. Suggest removal
concernedcitizen says...
FACT AMERICAS HOMOCIDE RATE IS 4 PER 100,000 ,OURS IS 27 PER 100,000 ,,YOU ARE 6 AND 1/2 TIMES MORE LIKLEY TO DIE OF HOMOCIDE IN THE BAHAMAS ,,OPEN YOUR EYES TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTRY ,,
Posted 17 April 2013, 11:56 a.m. Suggest removal
PKMShack says...
@ larry Why compare to America? Our spent dollars does little to the overall economy of the U.S. But the tourist dollar has a huge affect on our Bahamas. We need to do a lot more looking in the mirrior rather than hopping it is not so in our own homeland.
Posted 17 April 2013, 12:05 p.m. Suggest removal
wayway says...
at:Larry
The United States does not need Bahamians to go there. The Bahamas needs American tourists and dollars. So it does not matter what happens there. If Bahamians stopped going to the United States it would not impact them at all but see what will happen to this country if Americans stopped coming here. The Bahamas is dependent on tourism, if that stops the economy is done!
Posted 17 April 2013, 12:05 p.m. Suggest removal
proudloudandfnm says...
Meanwhile Greenslade is out there saying crime is down! As if we are all stupid! Crime is not down Mr. Greenslade and it is about time you admit that and face the fact that you are a failure in your job. Do what is right and step down.
Posted 17 April 2013, 12:09 p.m. Suggest removal
Ironvelvet says...
I will keep posting this: Stop telling the police to do better, give them better so they can do better! Increase their pay (stop spending on buildings), increase their workforce, increase their resources (cars, phones, guns, etc), and increase the quality of their training. ENFORCE THE LAW (no matter how small the infraction white collar or violent)! Create a subunit for only tourist areas. Build a bigger, more rehabilatative prison! Increase the number of programs that work with prisoners when they are released. INCREASE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE LAND!
Posted 17 April 2013, 12:23 p.m. Suggest removal
kenulorsen says...
The travelers safety should the main concerned of any transportation company. Some people prefer to travel by car, choosing most often an offer of <a href="http://littlevalleymountainresort.com/c…">pet friendly cabins</a> to not complicate their holiday. But the rest of travelers, who choose the plane, the train or a public mean of transportation to get in a certain location should feel safe and this is the job of these transportation companies.
Posted 8 February 2015, 3:22 a.m. Suggest removal
zinos85 says...
The tourists have to take all the precautions possible to stay safe during their trip. However, those who are planning on taking their yacht to the sea should be careful too. Now one can find marine hardware along with <a href="http://www.mmimarine.com/mmi/index.php?…">parts for offshore yachts</a> online.
Posted 30 June 2015, 4:56 a.m. Suggest removal
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