BHTA’s concerns being addressed

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is reporting that the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) has agreed to provide enhanced beach surveillance, especially on the south coast of the island.

The revelation came from Chief Executive Officer of the BHTA, Rudy Grant, at the association’s recently held 3rd Quarterly Meeting at the Hilton Hotel. The disclosure came as he lamented that many of their members have indicated there has been “some measure of increase” in beach harassment.

“I can relate to you that as it relates to the south coast, the Senior Superintendent Acting, in charge of the South, Mr. Bruce Rowe, would have met with a number of our members and this would have been one of the items that was discussed. Senior Superintendent Rowe has indicated he is prepared to make a stronger presence of police officers [felt],” Grant explained.

His comments came as he reminded the gathering that the BHTA had previously given the RBPF sponsorship for new beach patrol uniforms and he expects they will be soon introduced. Those uniforms, he said, would certainly differ from the traditional garb worn by police officers and be more suited for patrolling the beaches.

“The meeting with Senior Superintendent Rowe also looked at new techniques of policing. Of course I would not disclose what those new techniques are, but it allows the police to be working with our members to seek to ensure that the issue of beach harassment is effectively dealt with,” the BHTA CEO stated.

Meanwhile, touching on other concerns of members, Grant referred to the issue of land tax rebates and value added tax refunds, indicating that the BHTA continues to advocate on their behalf with the Barbados Revenue Authority. But, he explained that the challenging economic circumstances facing the country remain a hindrance to getting those matters resolved.

“In those instances where we can facilitate through our advocacy a balancing off of what is owed to a member and what the member owes, we seek to encourage that. But at this time those two areas are somewhat challenging,” he stated. (JRT)