Bartlett commits to new framework for visitor safety and security
MINISTER OF Tourism Edmund Bartlett has reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to creating a new way forward and architecture as it relates to visitor safety and security.
This follows a meeting with international tourism security expert, Dr Peter Tarlow, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and senior members of the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies.
“This exercise of reviewing our security arrangements with a view to improving our infrastructure is not a knee-jerk reaction, because the whole business of safety and security is fundamental to tourism safety and security ... ,” said Bartlett.
“It is a feeling that must pervade the traveller before they even leave their destination and, therefore, it is the responsibility of the destination that the wellbeing of visitors is secure,” he added.
Tarlow is currently in the island to provide technical support for the islandwide security audit being carried out by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). The security audit, which is to be completed by the first half of 2019, will identify gaps and ensure that the destination remains safe, secure and seamless for visitors and locals alike.
As part of Tarlow’s engagement, he met with, and made a presentation to, hotel general managers, security professionals, contractors to the industry, and the Police High Command during a Tourism Safety and Security Forum held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre yesterday.
Today, Tarlow will join a briefing with the security operations audit team; meet with embassy officials from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada; and take part in a media briefing to be held inside TPDCo’s boardroom at its New Kingston office.