Communication is key in ensuring security

Barbados must be ready to deal with any threat to its security.

This is according to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Celia Pollard-Jones.

“As relatively small tourism dependent destinations, and in Barbados’ case, bearing a brand that boasts security and safety as one of its elements, we should leave no stone unturned to provide the kind of information that equips us to respond when threats to our security arise,” she stated.

She was addressing yesterday’s opening of the two-day Tourism Security Assessment put on by the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the Canadian Government at the Barbados Defence Force’s headquarters.

She highlighted that the ministry was convinced of the ongoing need to sensitize persons in both private and public sectors of the urgent dispatch required in addressing security concerns in the tourism sector.

“In recognition of this, the ministry has continued to engage the cooperation of the Department of Emergency Management, the Barbados Defense Force, the Ministry of Health, our own BTA and other stakeholders to underline the importance of a common approach to dealing with disaster related issues which of themselves have implications for tourism. The ministry has also taken steps to upgrade its telecommunications equipment to ensure rapid recovery after a disaster. We continue through our community emergency operations centre to be a part of the national disaster response system with the DEM. In fact, it is expected that the ministry will test its readiness when it takes part in the upcoming Exercise Tradewinds,” Pollard Jones stated.

The Deputy PS also admitted that there was still much more to be done in terms of security preparation and disaster mitigation in the island. (JMB)