Barbados Today

Security guards employed throughout hotels and restaurants on the island are now better equipped to provide protection to locals and tourists alike.

And yesterday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Susan Springer, lauded the collaborative effort made by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF)  in ensuring that the 58 security guards who attended  four workshops were brought up to date with the best security practices.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church, Springer stressed the critical role security played in maintaining the sustainability of the tourism industry.

Springer maintained one of the primary considerations of  a visitor when travelling, was determining how safe their destination was.

Referring to the popular slogan “Tourism is our Business, let’s play our part” the BHTA boss called on Barbadians to play their role in ensuring visitors to Barbados were safe,  saying it was not only the responsibility of the RBPF to deal with both traditional and modern crimes.

She also suggested communication between hotels needed to be part of management planning, thereby transmitting information to other properties.

Springer highlighted the use of adequate electronic surveillance such as cameras, as well as the need to sensitize visitors and locals on the premises to be observant of their surroundings as effective methods of improving security.

Springer disclosed that the BHTA and the RBPF had partnered in other safety projects such as the installation of CCTV cameras on the south coast; the clearing of bush at Sam Lord’s Castle and most recently a pilot project in collaboration with the National Conservation Commission that will provide secure lockers at certain beaches.

She pointed out that the recently conducted safety and security workshops were aimed at helping to eliminate harassment, illegal vending and drug pushing among other criminal activity. (NC)