September 22, 2009
Mindful that crime bears a negative impact on doing business in tourism, BTIA continues to advocate for initiatives that seek to combat this scourge. In light of this, the organization commenced a series of destination meetings with relevant public sector partners to discuss the state of crime in the areas with a view to present recommendations for a way forward.
The second and third in a series of such meetings was held on Tuesday, September 15 in Dangriga and Friday, September 18, 2009 in Orange Walk Town. The consultation discussed the crime issues in that for the destination areas Dangriga, Placencia, Hopkins and Orange Walk Town. Based on the presentations, the most prevalent issues remain the petty theft cases (snatch and run incidents), theft of boats and boat engines, armed holdups, open drug usage in public areas, drug peddling and tainting of drinks in night clubs, sexual and physical harassment, loitering, public drunken behaviour, and violation of liquor licenses. In all destinations, the reports included police non-responsiveness often fueled by lack of resources, particularly affecting police mobility.
As a result of the meeting, the recommendations for solving the issues faced included:
1. Cross training of the Law Enforcement Agencies – coast guard and police being trained in regulations for tour operators, tour guides, fisheries regulations. This will allow law enforcement to be better informed and when conducting operations be able to assist in enforcing the respective regulations.
2. Better interagency coordination – allows for pooling of resources
3. Customer sensitivity training for law enforcement agency – particularly when dealing with tourism establishments and operations. Mindful that the tourism industry is based on perception and the goal is to keep the experience positive for the guests, CEO informed that the Ministry and BTB can be of assistance in this area.
4. Improved communication between the private and public sectors – BTIA to invite the police agencies to the monthly meetings and security to become a permanent part of the meetings’ agenda. The purpose is to improve communication but as well serve as a point of contact to plan and organize collaborative programs and projects. This can include programs to improve police communication systems, police transport and mobility, police stations and facilities, programs to recognize excellence displayed by law enforcement personnel, programs to finance crime fighting programs or improve police benefits package.
5. Other meaningful interventions can include: a Quick Trial Court for petty offences and crimes against tourists. A major shortcoming in the legal system is the constant adjournments and requests for adjournments. This process frustrates the victims and witnesses and allows for the criminals to get away with their anti-social activities.
6. Refocusing on criminal activities classified under the “Broken Window” theory. These include petty offences – littering, loitering, illegal activities that are menaces to society – violations of liquor licenses, noise pollution violations, and minor traffic violations. These activities are known as the potential initiation for larger crimes.
7. Refocusing on loiterers and drug addicts in the communities as these present a potential for further criminal activity.
8. Government allowing duty free exemptions on security items – allowing business establishments to be able to more affordably equip themselves for crime intervention – these can include camera monitoring equipment etc.
9. Introduction of the Guard Net program/system is essential to getting citizens and the private sector involved in crime fighting.
10. Program of identifying Special Constables and Citizens on Patrol participants
The meeting was the initiative of the Belize Tourism Industry Association in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Belize Tourism Board. In attendance at the meeting were BTIA Executive Director Daedra Haylock, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Singh and BTB Staff Raymond Mossiah, Ministry of Tourism staff Juliet Neal, BTIA Representatives from Dangriga Therese Rath, Placencia Beverly Cabral, Hopkins Andrew Usher and Rob Pronk, Orange Walk Luisa Rivas and Marja Urbina. Public sector representatives included Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security Mr. Allan Whylie, Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, Sr. Supt. Elodio Aragon Deputy Head of the Tourism Police Unit Ms. Carla Gamboa and the Officer in Charge of Dangriga Police Formation and Police Officers from Placencia, Hopkins and Orange Walk. Others present were the Chairperson of Crime Stoppers Belize Mr. Francisco Woods Jr., Dangriga Mayor Aaron Gongora and concerned citizens.
The meetings will take place in each tourism destination region. The fourth in the series is planned for the Cayo District and will be held in San Ignacio on Friday, October 2, 2009. Meetings are also planned for the Toledo and Belize Districts.
(Press Release)
