(Trinidad Express) New security measures are to be implemented to ensure the safety of all tourists, including cruise passengers, who visit this country.
Agreement on the measures was reached during a meeting on Monday involving the Minister of Tourism Randall Mitchell, National Security Minister Stuart Young and the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Glenda Jennings-Smith.
According to a statement from the Tourism Ministry, the closed-door meeting, which took place at the Ministry of National Security was requested by Mitchell following the Boxing Day injury and robbery of UK tourist, 72-year-old Sally Wilson while she was sight-seeing along the Queen’s Park Savannah with her husband Michael.
They came to Port-of-Spain that day among a 4,363 passenger capacity MSC Preziosa cruise line. Wilson has subsequently thanked all those who assisted her in what she described as the “traumatic” incident.
Mitchell commended the National Security services, particularly the Police for ensuring “a largely unblemished record where the security and safety of Cruise passengers were concerned.”
Mitchell said the meeting agreed that “one robbery was one too many,” and agreed that “planning and discussions between the Cruise officers at the Ministry and the Police will continue.” He said that will be done “with a view to eliminating shortcomings or potential shortcomings in the security arrangements.”
According to Mitchell, Monday’s meeting also looked at the need for an efficient, pleasant experience by visitors when being processed by Immigration officers at the Airport during what promises to be a hectic Carnival season.
According to the statement, Mitchell, Young, and Jennings recognised that the Immigration officer is the first point of contact during a visit to this country and therefore the first opportunity to make a good impression.
