Contact:
Prime Minister's Press Secretary
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony has
ordered an immediate review of procedures adopted by government agencies
following crimes committed against visitors to the island.
The Prime Minister ordered the review following a meeting with officials of the
Ministry of Tourism and the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA).
According to the Prime Minister: “It is clear that crimes committed against
visitors can have dire consequences for the visitors -- and indeed, for all of
us. Aggrieved visitors have a capacity to vent their anger on the Internet, thus
causing severe damage to our reputation.”
“Our Police Force, in particular,” he added, “has to be sensitized to better
follow-up on crimes against visitors, as this is where the major break-down
takes place.”
“Equally,” he added, “the roles of the respective agencies involved in following
up on crimes committed, need to be clarified.”
Prime Minister Anthony said: “Visitors to the island need to be reassured that
they are not being neglected by our law officers.”
He explained: “The need for sensitivity applies, not only to the visitors, but
also to all of our citizens who are victims of crime. They too need to be
reassured that their concerns are being addressed.”
Prime Minister Anthony reiterated that “our tourism industry is so important to
our economy and to our national development that we all have to be as concerned
about attacks on visitors as we are about crimes against citizens.”
The Prime Minister said: “It is important for all Saint Lucians to understand
that one single incident can have grave consequences for all of us.”
He urged that “the objective of all of us, including the law enforcement
agencies and related bodies, must be to create a safe environment in Saint Lucia
for ourselves, that visitors can also enjoy.”
