SYMPOSIUM ON VISITOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE CARIBBEAN CRIME AND HARASSMENT OF TOURISTS/VISITORS ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTER:

SYMPOSIUM ON VISITOR SYMPOSIUM ON VISITOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SAFETY AND SECURITY IN

THE CARIBBEANTHE CARIBBEANCRIME AND HARASSMENT OF CRIME AND HARASSMENT OF

TOURISTS/VISITORSTOURISTS/VISITORSANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT AND

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTER: CLIFFORD E. GRIFFIN, PhDPRESENTER: CLIFFORD E. GRIFFIN, PhD

September 22-23, 2003September 22-23, 2003

OVERVIEW

2003 World Tourism Forecast2003 World Tourism Forecast

US$4,544.2 billion of economic activityUS$4,544.2 billion of economic activity 11.2 per cent of total exports11.2 per cent of total exports 10.2 per cent of GDP10.2 per cent of GDP 194,662,000 jobs194,662,000 jobs 7.6 per cent of total employment 7.6 per cent of total employment

Source: Source: World Travel & Tourism CouncilWorld Travel & Tourism Council

Caribbean Travel and Tourism Caribbean Travel and Tourism Industry 2003 ForecastIndustry 2003 Forecast

US$34.6b economic activity—3% growthUS$34.6b economic activity—3% growth 567,870 jobs—1.4% employment growth 567,870 jobs—1.4% employment growth US$6.5b or 1.8% industry GDP growthUS$6.5b or 1.8% industry GDP growth 1,857,000 jobs—1.4% growth in Travel 1,857,000 jobs—1.4% growth in Travel

and Tourism economyand Tourism economy US$23.1b or 2.3% growth in Tourism US$23.1b or 2.3% growth in Tourism

economy economy

Travel and Tourism EconomyTravel and Tourism Economy

1,857,000 jobs—12% of total employment1,857,000 jobs—12% of total employment US$23.1b or 13% of GDPUS$23.1b or 13% of GDP US$16.2b exports—16.2% of total exportsUS$16.2b exports—16.2% of total exports US$7.6b capital investment, 22.3% of totalUS$7.6b capital investment, 22.3% of total US$2.0b Government exp., 8.8% shareUS$2.0b Government exp., 8.8% share

Caribbean Travel and Tourism Caribbean Travel and Tourism 10-year Projections to 201310-year Projections to 2013

5.5% Travel/Tourism growth to US$78.4b5.5% Travel/Tourism growth to US$78.4b 6.7% growth to US$16.3b in direct benefits6.7% growth to US$16.3b in direct benefits 6.7% growth to US$53b for Tourism and 6.7% growth to US$53b for Tourism and

Travel economy overallTravel economy overall 5.6% direct sector jobs growth to 975,800 5.6% direct sector jobs growth to 975,800 4.7% Travel/Tourism Econ jobs growth to 4.7% Travel/Tourism Econ jobs growth to

2,945,100 overall2,945,100 overall

Caribbean Travel and Tourism Caribbean Travel and Tourism 10-year Projections to 201310-year Projections to 2013

7% growth in visitor exports to US$36.3b7% growth in visitor exports to US$36.3b 3.5% growth in capital invest to US$14.3b3.5% growth in capital invest to US$14.3b 3.5% gov’t expenditure growth to US$3.8b3.5% gov’t expenditure growth to US$3.8b

Source: Source: World Travel & Tourism Council atWorld Travel & Tourism Council at http://www.wttc.org/measure/PDF/Caribbeanhttp://www.wttc.org/measure/PDF/Caribbean

Caribbean Travel and Caribbean Travel and Tourism…Tourism…

Almost unparalleled globally as a source Almost unparalleled globally as a source of income, employment, hard currency of income, employment, hard currency earnings and economic growth earnings and economic growth

Sustainability is intimately linked to visitor Sustainability is intimately linked to visitor safety and security safety and security

THE NEW PERSPECTIVE

Tourist/Visitor Safety and Tourist/Visitor Safety and Security PictureSecurity Picture

Pre-9-11: security #1 concern for 15% of visitors Pre-9-11: security #1 concern for 15% of visitors Post-9-11: safety #1 reason for choosing a Post-9-11: safety #1 reason for choosing a

particular destinationparticular destination Historically, tourism destinations covered up Historically, tourism destinations covered up

their securitytheir security Today, travelers no longer fear tourism security Today, travelers no longer fear tourism security

but demand itbut demand it Increasingly police are viewed as economic Increasingly police are viewed as economic

development toolsdevelopment tools

Regional Tourist/Visitor Safety Regional Tourist/Visitor Safety and Security Concernsand Security Concerns

Food; Food; Health and Health Care Delivery/Facilities Health and Health Care Delivery/Facilities TransportationTransportation

road, air and water; traffic accidents road, air and water; traffic accidents SignageSignage AccommodationAccommodation Environment ManagementEnvironment Management EmploymentEmployment Crisis response/disaster management systemsCrisis response/disaster management systems Harassment; Crime; TerrorismHarassment; Crime; Terrorism

Concerns for Governments and Concerns for Governments and Tourism StakeholdersTourism Stakeholders

Perception of rising crime levels against Perception of rising crime levels against tourists/visitors tourists/visitors

Perception that region’s rising crime rates Perception that region’s rising crime rates may adversely affect the tourism industrymay adversely affect the tourism industry

Region’s openness may be conducive to Region’s openness may be conducive to crimes of opportunity as well as planned crimes of opportunity as well as planned crimescrimes

Increasing complaints of harassment by Increasing complaints of harassment by tourists/visitorstourists/visitors

COMPARATIVE STAKEHOLDER ATTITUDES COMPARATIVE STAKEHOLDER ATTITUDES TOWARD CRIME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOTOWARD CRIME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Perception of Crime in Trinidad

% Perception of Crime in Tobago

%

Very Serious 61.0 Very Serious 6.8

Serious 18.6 Serious 35.6

Somewhat Serious 10.2 Somewhat Serious 23.7

Not Serious 1.7 Not Serious 10.2

No Response 8.5 No Response 20.3

Focus…Focus…

Crime against tourists/visitorsCrime against tourists/visitors Harassment of tourists/visitorsHarassment of tourists/visitors Crime committed by tourists/visitorsCrime committed by tourists/visitors

Tourist/VisitorTourist/Visitor

VISITORVISITOR—non-residents who visit a —non-residents who visit a countrycountry

TOURISTTOURIST—visitors who spend at least —visitors who spend at least one night in a countryone night in a country

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERCRUISE SHIP PASSENGER—regarded —regarded as touristas tourist

Tourist/VisitorTourist/Visitor

Crime data do not distinguish between Crime data do not distinguish between tourist and cruise ship passengertourist and cruise ship passenger

While the crime rate against all visitors will While the crime rate against all visitors will provide a fairly accurate overall picture, it provide a fairly accurate overall picture, it will somewhat understate the risk for will somewhat understate the risk for tourists. tourists.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Crime and Violence: Crime and Violence: DefinitionDefinition

Crime, including assault, battery, rape, Crime, including assault, battery, rape, murder, etc. are considered murder, etc. are considered acts of acts of violenceviolence

Analytically useful to distinguish between Analytically useful to distinguish between crime, acts of violence and harassmentcrime, acts of violence and harassment

Crime and Violence: DefinitionCrime and Violence: Definition

CRIMECRIME: “A social harm that the law makes : “A social harm that the law makes punishable;”punishable;”

VIOLENCEVIOLENCE: “unjust or unwarranted use of : “unjust or unwarranted use of force, usually accompanied by fury, force, usually accompanied by fury, vehemence, or outright rage.”vehemence, or outright rage.” Source: Source: Black’s Law Dictionary 7Black’s Law Dictionary 7thth ed., 1999. ed., 1999.

Harassment: DefinitionHarassment: Definition

Annoying behavior carried to extremes. Annoying behavior carried to extremes. Behavior need not be annoying initially Behavior need not be annoying initially

persistencepersistence→annoyance→annoyance Extreme annoyanceExtreme annoyance→→harassmentharassment. .

““Words, conduct, or action (usually repeated or Words, conduct, or action (usually repeated or persistent) that, being directed as a specific persistent) that, being directed as a specific person, annoys, alarms, or causes substantial person, annoys, alarms, or causes substantial emotional distress in that person and serves no emotional distress in that person and serves no legitimate purpose”legitimate purpose”

Crime and Harassment in Crime and Harassment in Perspective…Perspective…

PriceWaterhouse Coopers 2nd annual survey of PriceWaterhouse Coopers 2nd annual survey of Jamaican hoteliers, Nov 2001...Jamaican hoteliers, Nov 2001...

Crime and HarassmentCrime and Harassment are the most important are the most important issues that will affect hotel occupancies and issues that will affect hotel occupancies and earnings—49%;earnings—49%;

In 2000--until In 2000--until crime and harassmentcrime and harassment are are reduced, sector will fall far short of its potential; reduced, sector will fall far short of its potential;

Reduction of Reduction of crime and harassmentcrime and harassment the #1 the #1 problem to be resolved if tourism industry is to problem to be resolved if tourism industry is to improve earnings and occupancies-- 66.1%. improve earnings and occupancies-- 66.1%.

HARASSMENTHARASSMENT

““It is disquieting to have strangers stand in your It is disquieting to have strangers stand in your path or ‘shadow’ you while you walk, all the time path or ‘shadow’ you while you walk, all the time begging or offering their unsolicited ‘services.’ begging or offering their unsolicited ‘services.’ On a recent trip to Ocho Rios I witnessed blatant On a recent trip to Ocho Rios I witnessed blatant tourist harassment and since there were no tourist harassment and since there were no policemen anywhere in sight, I had to take it on policemen anywhere in sight, I had to take it on myself to call the fellow aside and tell him that myself to call the fellow aside and tell him that he is killing our country by his selfish act.” he is killing our country by his selfish act.”

(Garth A. Rattray, Gleaner, May 1, 2001).(Garth A. Rattray, Gleaner, May 1, 2001).

PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

Tourist/Visitor Victimization Tourist/Visitor Victimization Data Issues…Data Issues…

Reliable data difficult to obtainReliable data difficult to obtain Where produced, closely guarded by many Where produced, closely guarded by many

tourism-reliant destinationstourism-reliant destinations Tendency to suppress information about extent of Tendency to suppress information about extent of

crime and harassment of tourists/visitors. crime and harassment of tourists/visitors.

General concern: publishing/publicizing General concern: publishing/publicizing data would injure sector.data would injure sector.

Regional Tourist/Visitor Crime Regional Tourist/Visitor Crime Data ProblemsData Problems

All jurisdictions collect crime dataAll jurisdictions collect crime data Variation in data collection/managementVariation in data collection/management

Some do not discriminate between local and Some do not discriminate between local and tourist/visitor crimetourist/visitor crime

Few collect tourist/visitor crime dataFew collect tourist/visitor crime data Tourist/visitor crime underreported Tourist/visitor crime underreported

Tourist/visitor’s short stayTourist/visitor’s short stay Belief that police can/will do little about itBelief that police can/will do little about it Reported if victim wishes to file insuranceReported if victim wishes to file insurance

Recorded crimes against tourists/visitors will be Recorded crimes against tourists/visitors will be less than actualless than actual

Nature of Tourist/Visitor CrimeNature of Tourist/Visitor Crime

Mainly against stay-over visitors rather than against Mainly against stay-over visitors rather than against cruise ship visitors—3 types of crime…cruise ship visitors—3 types of crime…

Property crimesProperty crimes Robbery/theft from hotel/guest houses, vehicles, beaches Robbery/theft from hotel/guest houses, vehicles, beaches

and public places, remote sight-seeing toursand public places, remote sight-seeing tours Sometimes results in bodily harmSometimes results in bodily harm

Unwelcome Sexual AdvancesUnwelcome Sexual Advances Especially against women (often leads to rape)Especially against women (often leads to rape)

Offering Sale of Illicit DrugsOffering Sale of Illicit Drugs GOAL: to secure cash or potable propertyGOAL: to secure cash or potable property

Perpetrators’ Views of Perpetrators’ Views of Tourists/VisitorsTourists/Visitors

Normally very wealthyNormally very wealthy Take risks:Take risks:

Go out after dark, visit clubs/pubs, drink and Go out after dark, visit clubs/pubs, drink and get carelessget careless

Perpetrators consider a street mugging is Perpetrators consider a street mugging is considered less risky than a hotel room considered less risky than a hotel room burglaryburglary

TOURIST/VISITOR DISHONESTY

Tourist/Visitor DishonestyTourist/Visitor Dishonesty

Guests skip out on their billsGuests skip out on their bills Theft of other guests’ propertyTheft of other guests’ property Make false claims of impolite/improper serviceMake false claims of impolite/improper service Make false claims about loss of propertyMake false claims about loss of property Make fraudulent insurance claimsMake fraudulent insurance claims Commit credit card fraudCommit credit card fraud Write bad checks (travelers and personal)Write bad checks (travelers and personal) Pass counterfeit moneyPass counterfeit money Engage in other illicit activities:Engage in other illicit activities:

Drug trafficking, gun running, money laundering, Drug trafficking, gun running, money laundering, prostitution, alien smugglingprostitution, alien smuggling

COMPARING TOURIST/VISITOR CRIME

Recorded Crimes Against Tourists/Visitors to Barbados 1980-2000

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

years

inci

den

ce

of

cri

me

Recorded Crimes

Recorded Crimes Against Tourists/Visitors to Barbados 1980-2000

751 758

539

352

416436

494

821

701

797

849

750

690

611

564523

439415

345379

323

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

years

inci

den

ce

of

cri

me

Recorded Crimes

Distribution of Recorded Crime Against Tourists/Visitors to Barbados 1980-2000

1%

2%

2%

3%

3%

7%

9%

22%

51 %

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Sex Offences

Wounding

Aggravated Burglary

Theft From Person

Theft From Motor Vehicle

Theft From Beach

Other Theft

Robbery

Burglary

Ty

pe

s o

f C

rim

e

percentages

Distribution of Recorded Crime

Reported Crimes Against Tourists/Visitors to Tobago 1996-2002

113

85

147151 153

58

66

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

years

inci

den

ce

of

crim

e No of Crimes

Tobago Tourist-Visitor Crimes 1996-2002

113

85

147151 153

5866

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Years

Inci

den

ce

of

Cri

me

No of Crimes

Reported Crimes Against Tourists/Visitors to TT Jan 2002 to July 2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

months

mo

nth

ly i

nci

den

ce o

f cr

ime

Trinidad

Tobago

Totals

Types and Distribution of Crimes Against Tourists/Visitors to TT Jan 2002-Jul 2003

47.70%

18.40%

12.50%

9.60%

6.60%

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

0.70%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00%

Larcenies

Robberies

Housebreakings

Burglaries

Assaults

Sexual Offenses

Wounding

Kidnappings

Murder

Ty

pe

s o

f C

rim

e

percentage distribution of crime

Distribution of Crime

CRIMES AGAINST CRUISERS

Reported Crimes Against Cruisers in TT in 2002

3

3

1

5

1

1

1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Larceny

Larceny From Boat

Larceny Boat Engine

Larceny Dhingy and Engine

Robbery With Aggravation

Robbery With Violence

Wounding With Intent

typ

es o

f c

rim

e

number of incidences

Crimes Against Cruisers

REPORTS OF CRIMES AGAINST CRUISERS IN 2OO2

0 0 0 0

4

22

11 1 11

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

MONTHS

MO

NT

HL

Y IN

CID

EN

CE

OF

V

ICT

IMIZ

AT

ION

Yachties

Annual Yacht Arrivals To Trinidad and Tobago 1992- 2002

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Years

Annual Yacht Arrivals

HARASSMENT

MAIN FORMS OF HARASSMENTMAIN FORMS OF HARASSMENT

Pressure to buy things they do not wishPressure to buy things they do not wish Attempts to sell them drugs (ganja, coke, crack)Attempts to sell them drugs (ganja, coke, crack) Being followed aroundBeing followed around Being pushed aroundBeing pushed around Being pushed and shoved into taxisBeing pushed and shoved into taxis Being approached for sex or to buy sexual Being approached for sex or to buy sexual

favorsfavors Being approached to sell foreign currencyBeing approached to sell foreign currency Being pushed and shoved in shopping areasBeing pushed and shoved in shopping areas

MAIN FORMS OF HARASSMENTMAIN FORMS OF HARASSMENT

Being pressured to braid hairBeing pressured to braid hair Being pressured to hire guidesBeing pressured to hire guides Being abused or threatenedBeing abused or threatened Using incentives to entice tourists/visitors to Using incentives to entice tourists/visitors to

patronize a particular business or activitypatronize a particular business or activity Trailing and following tourists/visitors closely Trailing and following tourists/visitors closely

anticipating their needsanticipating their needs Overcharging for goods and servicesOvercharging for goods and services Verbal abuse when services offered are not Verbal abuse when services offered are not

acceptedaccepted

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO STAKEHOLDER TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO STAKEHOLDER ATTITUDES TOWARD CRIME AND ATTITUDES TOWARD CRIME AND

HARASSMENT OF VISITORSHARASSMENT OF VISITORSMost Frequent Type of Harassment

% Most Frequent Type of Crime

%

Taxi Drivers 12.5 Theft of Money 33.7

Tour Operators 0 Theft of Property or Jewelry

32.5

Hair Braiders 1.4 Rape 0

Tour guides 2.8 Armed Robbery 7.2

Craft Sellers 6.9 Assault 7.2

Beach Boys 23.4 Other 4.8

No Response 20.8 No Response

HARASSERS’ PERSPECTIVEHARASSERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Individuals do not view persistent sales pitch as Individuals do not view persistent sales pitch as harassment;harassment;

Behavior consistent with Caribbean culture of Behavior consistent with Caribbean culture of salesmanship is aggression--to make a sale, salesmanship is aggression--to make a sale, interest a potential customer, or get a fare. interest a potential customer, or get a fare.

Do not view persistent sales pitches to Do not view persistent sales pitches to tourists/visitors lying on the beach or walking in tourists/visitors lying on the beach or walking in the streets as being disturbing or a nuisance. the streets as being disturbing or a nuisance.

TOURIST/VISITOR TOURIST/VISITOR HARASSMENT RATESHARASSMENT RATES

Visitor Harassment Survey

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1996 1997 1999 2001

Survey Years

Hara

ssm

en

t R

ate

s

no

yes

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF PRINCIPAL AREAS OF HARASSMENTHARASSMENT

Areas in Which Tourists/Visitors Were Harassed

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1999 2001

Survey Years

Ha

ras

sm

en

t R

ate

s

Shopping Area

The Streets

The Beach

The Airport

At Accommodation

FORMS OF HARASSMENT FORMS OF HARASSMENT EXPERIENCEDEXPERIENCED

Forms of Tourist/Visitor Harassment

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1989 1999 2001

Survey Years

Hara

ssm

ent R

ates

Pressured to buy things

Attempted to sell you drugs

Being followed around

Being pushed into taxis

Approached for sex

Approached to sell foreignexchange

Other Forms

Stakeholders' Views of Most Frequent Types of Harassment

12.5

0

1.4

2.8

6.9

23.4

20.8

0 5 10 15 20 25

Taxi Drivers

Tour Operators

Hair Braiders

Tour guides

Craft Sellers

Beach Boys

No Response

mai

n t

ype

s o

f h

ara

ss

ers

frequency of harassment

SELECTED COUNTRY RESPONSES TO HARASSMENT

DOMINICA’S RESPONSEDOMINICA’S RESPONSE

April 2001 law criminalizing harassment—April 2001 law criminalizing harassment—designed to “curb harassment and make designed to “curb harassment and make the island more visitor-friendly;”the island more visitor-friendly;”

Police can harassment anyone caught Police can harassment anyone caught harassing others;harassing others;

Penalty: $370 or up 6 months in jail.Penalty: $370 or up 6 months in jail. Special Tourism Police unit institutedSpecial Tourism Police unit instituted

GRENADA’S RESPONSESGRENADA’S RESPONSES

1975 and 1986 anti-harassment legislation 1975 and 1986 anti-harassment legislation targeting taxi drivers and vendors;targeting taxi drivers and vendors;

1992 law empowers magistrates to hold 1992 law empowers magistrates to hold court at any time in the interest of justice;court at any time in the interest of justice;

GRENADA’S RESPONSESGRENADA’S RESPONSES

Strengthen beach and hotel security;Strengthen beach and hotel security; Increasing # of police patrols in tourist belt;Increasing # of police patrols in tourist belt; Increase # of police patrols when cruise Increase # of police patrols when cruise

ships are docked in harbor;ships are docked in harbor; Creating quick-response reserve force Creating quick-response reserve force

with communication equipment;with communication equipment; Increasing # of coast guard patrols. Increasing # of coast guard patrols.

ST. LUCIA’S RESPONSESST. LUCIA’S RESPONSES

May 1, 1999--Parks and Beaches Comm. May 1, 1999--Parks and Beaches Comm. became National Conservation Authority;became National Conservation Authority;

Authority’s Special Constables maintain Authority’s Special Constables maintain order in prescribed areas—heritage sites, order in prescribed areas—heritage sites, beaches, etc;beaches, etc;

Authority issues licenses to vendors;Authority issues licenses to vendors; Authority required to provide vendors with Authority required to provide vendors with

kiosks, etc., and monitor their operations;kiosks, etc., and monitor their operations;


Separate security and licensing Separate security and licensing arrangements are made for the ports and arrangements are made for the ports and cruise ship terminals. cruise ship terminals.

Private SecurityPrivate Security, along with the police,, , along with the police,, have major responsibility for keeping order have major responsibility for keeping order at Point Seraphin, especially controlling at Point Seraphin, especially controlling solicitation by taxi drivers and begging by solicitation by taxi drivers and begging by individualsindividuals


Much skepticism and resistance to this Much skepticism and resistance to this strict enforcement approach remains given strict enforcement approach remains given the range of economic and social the range of economic and social problems that afflict the youth. problems that afflict the youth.

ST. KITTS & NEVIS’ ST. KITTS & NEVIS’ RESPONSESRESPONSES

1994: NIA legislation designated all beaches 1994: NIA legislation designated all beaches “prescribed areas;”“prescribed areas;”

Ministry of Tourism authorized to declared any Ministry of Tourism authorized to declared any area “prohibited area;”area “prohibited area;”

Nevis Beach Vending Order 2002 requires Nevis Beach Vending Order 2002 requires license for beach vending;license for beach vending;

Police + security firm monitor compliance;Police + security firm monitor compliance; Penalty: $,1000 or 3 months in jail;Penalty: $,1000 or 3 months in jail; Considering providing kiosks at Pinneys Beach.Considering providing kiosks at Pinneys Beach.

JAMAICA’S RESPONSESJAMAICA’S RESPONSES

1997-98: Gov’t considered doubling fines 1997-98: Gov’t considered doubling fines for harassers; for harassers;

Establish night court for swift processing of Establish night court for swift processing of offenders;offenders;

1999: increased # of police + plainclothes 1999: increased # of police + plainclothes soldiers patrolling tourist areas;soldiers patrolling tourist areas;

Joint JDF and police patrols.Joint JDF and police patrols.


Increased security in resort areas;Increased security in resort areas; Mounted police and bicycle patrols;Mounted police and bicycle patrols; Creating national communication system to Creating national communication system to

utilize GPS technology;utilize GPS technology; Judiciary to apply full legal penalties;Judiciary to apply full legal penalties; Ongoing public education programs;Ongoing public education programs; Team Jamaica Course required by driversTeam Jamaica Course required by drivers Vehicles must be inspected; Vehicles must be inspected; Valid JTB license required of all contract carriersValid JTB license required of all contract carriers


Identify system of Identify system of prescribed areasprescribed areas;; Security provided by Security provided by Resort PatrolsResort Patrols + +

Jamaica Constabulary;Jamaica Constabulary; Patrols dress similarly to JC and travel in Patrols dress similarly to JC and travel in

pairs accompanied with member of JC;pairs accompanied with member of JC; Stiffer fines for offences committed in Stiffer fines for offences committed in

prescribed areas—not supported by some prescribed areas—not supported by some magistrates. magistrates.


Extensive PR program;Extensive PR program; Subject in schools across country;Subject in schools across country; Goals: change attitudes and behaviors Goals: change attitudes and behaviors

toward tourism; prospective career toward tourism; prospective career opportunities.opportunities.

Hotels give week-end prizes for tourism Hotels give week-end prizes for tourism related competitions;related competitions;

TV and radio used to get message out.TV and radio used to get message out.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RESPONSESRESPONSES

Community PolicingCommunity Policing Community Tourism Bike UnitCommunity Tourism Bike Unit Tourism Police (TOPS) ProgramTourism Police (TOPS) Program Downtown City Ambassadors ProgramDowntown City Ambassadors Program Initiatives to Comfort VictimsInitiatives to Comfort Victims Tourism Awareness LecturesTourism Awareness Lectures Special Courts for Expeditious TrialsSpecial Courts for Expeditious Trials

NEW SAFETY AND SECURITY PARADIGM

Paradigm Shift Paradigm Shift

Destinations emphasizing safety and Destinations emphasizing safety and security highly likely to survivesecurity highly likely to survive

Destinations providing good mixture of Destinations providing good mixture of security and safety and good customer security and safety and good customer service will flourishservice will flourish

Paradigm ShiftParadigm Shift

Security and safety are strictly non-Security and safety are strictly non-competitive issues competitive issues Require collaboration, coordination and Require collaboration, coordination and

cooperation between and among cooperation between and among stakeholdersstakeholders

Do not create a false sense of securityDo not create a false sense of security Develop security coalitions with all components Develop security coalitions with all components

of the communityof the community Ensure that the police service is trained and Ensure that the police service is trained and

understands tourismunderstands tourism

Paradigm ShiftParadigm Shift

Professionally train hotel and attraction Professionally train hotel and attraction workers to handle safety and security issuesworkers to handle safety and security issues

Implement safety and security measures in Implement safety and security measures in both rural and urban areas both rural and urban areas

Include local and government officials in Include local and government officials in identifying and improve unsafe areas identifying and improve unsafe areas

Ensure that police and security personnel Ensure that police and security personnel are aware of how important tourism safety are aware of how important tourism safety and security isand security is

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONSPOSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Education and Public AwarenessEducation and Public Awareness Associations of Service ProvidersAssociations of Service Providers Tourism Safety and Security TeamTourism Safety and Security Team

PUBLIC AWARENESS PUBLIC AWARENESS andand PUBLIC POLICY PUBLIC POLICY

Governments in the region, in Governments in the region, in cooperation with hoteliers and other cooperation with hoteliers and other stakeholders in the industry, must stakeholders in the industry, must undertake ongoing education and undertake ongoing education and public awareness campaigns about the public awareness campaigns about the importance of and impact of tourism on importance of and impact of tourism on the economies and societies of the the economies and societies of the region.region.


Tourists are turned off by harassment;Tourists are turned off by harassment; Harassment robs citizens of dollars and cents;Harassment robs citizens of dollars and cents; Harassment reduces the number of tourist; Harassment reduces the number of tourist;

arrivals as most visitors choose their arrivals as most visitors choose their destinations by word of mouth;destinations by word of mouth;

Overcharging drives tourists/visitors away;Overcharging drives tourists/visitors away; Contrary to popular belief, most tourists are not Contrary to popular belief, most tourists are not

rich; they save their money in order to take a rich; they save their money in order to take a holiday in the Caribbean;holiday in the Caribbean;

Tourism is the country’s bread and butter.Tourism is the country’s bread and butter.


Tourism studies should be incorporated Tourism studies should be incorporated into the curriculum at the primary, into the curriculum at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in order to secondary and tertiary levels in order to help develop an appreciation for the help develop an appreciation for the product as well as inculcate in citizens the product as well as inculcate in citizens the prospects of a future in the industry as prospects of a future in the industry as historians, guides, bookkeepers, historians, guides, bookkeepers, accountants, front desk persons, accountants, front desk persons, managers, marketers and other aspects of managers, marketers and other aspects of the industry.the industry.


Countries in the region should Countries in the region should actively encourage the development actively encourage the development of domestic tourism, whereby citizens of domestic tourism, whereby citizens are offered incentives (including are offered incentives (including reduced airfares where applicable, reduced airfares where applicable, hotel rates, etc.) so that they may hotel rates, etc.) so that they may have greater exposure to what the have greater exposure to what the country has to offer as well as country has to offer as well as participate in the “tourist experience.”participate in the “tourist experience.”


All countries should develop and implement All countries should develop and implement ordinances to regulate the vending of goods ordinances to regulate the vending of goods and services. and services.

Special markets should be established to Special markets should be established to house the vendors. house the vendors.

Where vending on beaches is permitted, Where vending on beaches is permitted, kiosks should be built, vendors should be kiosks should be built, vendors should be required to obtain licenses, and vendors, required to obtain licenses, and vendors, who sell food, must satisfy minimum sanitary who sell food, must satisfy minimum sanitary criteriacriteria. .

ASSOCIATIONS OF ASSOCIATIONS OF SERVICE PROVIDERSSERVICE PROVIDERS

Must be licensed by the proper governmental authority; Must be licensed by the proper governmental authority; Must wear uniform and wear/display valid picture Must wear uniform and wear/display valid picture

identification/name tag every day;identification/name tag every day; Must agree not to use obscene or offensive language, Must agree not to use obscene or offensive language,

fight, harass guests, gamble, drink intoxicating fight, harass guests, gamble, drink intoxicating beverages, sell or use dangerous, or be under the beverages, sell or use dangerous, or be under the influence of alcohol, or offer themselves for prostitution;influence of alcohol, or offer themselves for prostitution;

Must keep their work environment in a clean state and Must keep their work environment in a clean state and must dispose of garbage in proper receptacles;must dispose of garbage in proper receptacles;

Must participate in and successfully complete Ministry of Must participate in and successfully complete Ministry of Tourism’s professional development seminars and Tourism’s professional development seminars and training programs.training programs.

TOURISM SAFETY AND TOURISM SAFETY AND SECURITY TEAMSECURITY TEAM

Governments in the region must require Governments in the region must require their Ministries of Tourism, in collaboration their Ministries of Tourism, in collaboration with other stakeholders, including with other stakeholders, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, the police, private hoteliers, restaurateurs, the police, private security managers, chambers of security managers, chambers of commerce, and educators to develop a commerce, and educators to develop a Tourism Safety and Security Team Tourism Safety and Security Team


MUST INSTITUTE A MUST INSTITUTE A VISITOR VISITOR RELATIONS UNITRELATIONS UNIT WITH TRAINED WITH TRAINED PERSONNEL IN HUMAN RELATIONSPERSONNEL IN HUMAN RELATIONS


Provide safety and security training for all Provide safety and security training for all tourism/hospitality personnel;tourism/hospitality personnel;

Inform tourists of safety and security risks Inform tourists of safety and security risks Educate law enforcement agencies as to Educate law enforcement agencies as to

economic and opportunity costs to country economic and opportunity costs to country of safety and security violationof safety and security violation

Maintain high police visibility;Maintain high police visibility; Select, train, and deploy in tourism areas Select, train, and deploy in tourism areas

police officers willing to talk to strangers;police officers willing to talk to strangers;


Private Security Services personnel and Private Security Services personnel and companies must register and obtain license from companies must register and obtain license from the police;the police;

Create a safety and security accrediting Create a safety and security accrediting organization (or organizations);organization (or organizations);

Mandate all tourism enterprises to report all Mandate all tourism enterprises to report all criminal activities;criminal activities;

Adopt universal signs and pictograms related to Adopt universal signs and pictograms related to tourism/hospitality safety and security; tourism/hospitality safety and security;


Be aware of safety and security information that Be aware of safety and security information that marketers provide to travelers;marketers provide to travelers;

Institute measures to rectify problem areas and Institute measures to rectify problem areas and provide marketers with updated information;provide marketers with updated information;

Provide information and guidance to visitors;Provide information and guidance to visitors; Protect both visitors and residents;Protect both visitors and residents; Provide liaisons with consulates or embassies Provide liaisons with consulates or embassies

information in a timely manner;information in a timely manner; Create crisis plans for all possible safety and Create crisis plans for all possible safety and

security incidences (including natural hazards).security incidences (including natural hazards).


Governments in the region, in Governments in the region, in collaboration with hoteliers, travel collaboration with hoteliers, travel agents, the police and other agents, the police and other stakeholders, must developstakeholders, must develop and and implement a successful traveler safety implement a successful traveler safety information programinformation program


Do not carry expensive jewelry or watches. Do not carry expensive jewelry or watches. Lock cameras, computers and other pricey equipment in Lock cameras, computers and other pricey equipment in

your hotel safe.your hotel safe. Be firm when approached by aggressive vendors or Be firm when approached by aggressive vendors or

hawkers.hawkers. Avoid certain urban areas at night.Avoid certain urban areas at night. Use a concealed money pouch or belt for passports and Use a concealed money pouch or belt for passports and

cash.cash. Avoid wandering on beaches alone after dark or isolated Avoid wandering on beaches alone after dark or isolated

ones by day.ones by day. Make sure that someone not traveling with you knows Make sure that someone not traveling with you knows

where you are at all times.where you are at all times.


If you become a victim, report the incident If you become a victim, report the incident immediately to local police authorities and your immediately to local police authorities and your country’s consulate on that island.country’s consulate on that island.

To help replace stolen documents, carry two To help replace stolen documents, carry two extra passport-sized photos and a photocopy of extra passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport information page in a separate your passport information page in a separate place.place.

Bring contact information of your country’s Bring contact information of your country’s consulates for every country you plan to visit.consulates for every country you plan to visit.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Public policy is best informed by reliable Public policy is best informed by reliable data; jurisdictions must systematically data; jurisdictions must systematically collect data on visitor victimizationcollect data on visitor victimization

Because safety and security are goods Because safety and security are goods demanded by tourists/visitors…demanded by tourists/visitors…

Destinations that provide a good mix of Destinations that provide a good mix of safety, security and friendly service will safety, security and friendly service will thrivethrive

Acknowledgements for data Acknowledgements for data used in presentationused in presentation

Anslem Richards, THA PRDI; Daniel Nicholson, Councillor Neil WilsonAnslem Richards, THA PRDI; Daniel Nicholson, Councillor Neil Wilson Carl Stone (late), UWICarl Stone (late), UWI Klaus Albuquerque (late)Klaus Albuquerque (late) Abraham Pizam & Yoel MansfeldAbraham Pizam & Yoel Mansfeld CTO—Arley Sobers; Gail ClarkeCTO—Arley Sobers; Gail Clarke Christopher Nuttal, Crime & Justice BullettinChristopher Nuttal, Crime & Justice Bullettin Barbados Police ServiceBarbados Police Service Orville DurantOrville Durant Librarian, Jamaica Tourist Board; Jamaica Ministry of TourismLibrarian, Jamaica Tourist Board; Jamaica Ministry of Tourism Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Bahamas Visitor Relations UnitBahamas Ministry of Tourism; Bahamas Visitor Relations Unit Bahamas Commissioner of PoliceBahamas Commissioner of Police Tyrone O’Flaherty, Ministry of Tourism Culture, NIATyrone O’Flaherty, Ministry of Tourism Culture, NIA TT MOCAT, esp. Gail Henry and research teamTT MOCAT, esp. Gail Henry and research team Anthony Mahler, Belize Ministry of Tourism; Lucy Flemming, BTIAAnthony Mahler, Belize Ministry of Tourism; Lucy Flemming, BTIA Jacqueline Clarke, YSATTJacqueline Clarke, YSATT Black’s Law DictionaryBlack’s Law Dictionary

THANK YOU

Documents

SYMPOSIUM ON VISITOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE CARIBBEAN CRIME AND HARASSMENT OF TOURISTS/VISITORS ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTER: