The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has welcomed the implementation of the five-year Public Safety and Security Reform Strategy recently announced by the Minister of Home Affairs but says government has to commit sufficient resources for it to be successful.
In a statement, the association recalled its disappointment when the UK government’s Security Sector Reform Programme was not implemented; and said it looks forward to the effective implementation of the announced programme and offered their support.
THAG stated it matters not how attractive tourism products are, because there is no greater barrier to the successful development of the tourism industry than an international perception of the country as being crime ridden and a dangerous place to visit.
The first requirement of potential tourists is to know and believe that the country they plan to visit is relatively safe from crime.
THAG said they noted that while the reform programme as announced provides for civilian oversight in its administration and implementation, they would have preferred if the private sector could have been afforded the opportunity of greater consultation prior to the introduction of a ‘fait accompli.’
THAG stated that the PSC had pointed out that the reorganisation and restructuring of the Police Force, renamed the Police Service, will ultimately depend on the quality of its personnel and it is therefore essential that the level of remuneration be significantly increased if this is to be improved. THAG endorsed this position but went on to say that unless the police are given the tools to do their job properly, the restructuring will remain compromised.
They pointed out that the Police Service has neither the marine nor aviation capabilities necessary to police the major tourist destinations in Guyana in the remote hinterland such as the Rupununi and the riverain areas near Bartica. THAG said that these areas are increasingly targeted by criminals. They urged that the government commit the level of funding essential to providing security in the hinterland.
