FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017 – MARCH 4TH, 2017
VOLUME 13 - NO. 08
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HOTELS DEMAND ACTION ON CRIME T
he Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) is demanding urgent action from Governor Dr. John Freeman and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Government to deal with crime before it adversely affects tourism. “With crime rates steadily rising in TCI (we are) appealing to the newly appointed Administration and Governor the Excellency Dr. John Freeman to urgently address the matter before the destination’s leading industry is severely affected,” the association said in a media statement. The TCHTA noted, “This is a critical situation because not only are crimes being committed against our visitors but because we live in an age now where news is real time. A visitor who is robbed will share the story instantly with their friends and family via social media and will no doubt warn them against the dangers they have encountered in the TCI. This then endangers our product and the brand we have worked so hard he Tropicana Show and Supper Club was transformed into a true studded event recognised employees and industry partners, who have to develop. It puts our tourism product magical spectacle when the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism gone above and beyond the call of duty and who are committed to and our reputation of being a safe tourist Association hosted its 9th annual Star Awards event. contributing over the years to the success of the industry. destination at great risk.” With over 165 nominations submitted to auditors KPMG the star- In this photograph, hotel officials are seen promoting next year’s event. The TCHTA said that over the past five years its members have affects the industry,” the statement an increased presence along the Grace to find solutions which will work to put measures in place to assist the added. Bay tourist area, TCHTA’s Board address and alleviate the growing destination with combatting the crime “With 2,080 crimes reported of Directors stated, “The increased crime level.“ situation, including donations to the by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police presence is welcomed but more must In a recent press statement, Police Force and the installation of CCTV Force between the period January to be done and at a much higher level to Commissioner of Police James Smith cameras along the Grace Bay tourist September 2016, with 87 of these crimes address this troubling situation. Police said: “We will continue to take an area. involving crimes against visitors, along can patrol the area but if they aren’t intelligence-led proactive stance to “However, our hands are tied at with the more recent shooting incident equipped with the necessary resources stem the flow of violent crime, and this point because there is only so much involving TCHTA’s Allied member and or if their manpower is limited then the again we ask the public for their help. our members can afford to contribute TCI businessman Galmo Williams, issue remains. We need the persons at We will relentlessly track down these towards. At some juncture, there must be TCHTA is urging both parties to better the top, including the Premier (Hon. men of violence and bring them to national dialogue between all partners, equip the local Police Force in order for Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson) and justice. There are still too many crimes where a serious and detailed analysis them to perform more effectively,” the the Governor (Dr. John Freeman) of violence, and our focus remains of the threat is given and a workable statement added. to engage the country’s influential firmly on bringing those responsible solution found which includes educating Praising the Force for having associations in some serious dialogue before the courts.” our society about how negatively crime
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