Local stakeholders in tourism and business are sounding an alarm, warning that criminal elements threaten to destabilize an already weak economy.
Frank Comito, Executive Director of the Nassau Tourism Development Board, made a special appeal to businesspersons – especially in the down town area – to be vigilant as the murders of James Bethel and Arne Peterson within the last week, have brought home the vulnerability of those who are businessmen.
“The recent killings in general are cause for serious concern,” Mr. Comito told The Bahama Journal. “We believe that not only do they cause personal hardship for the families involved but we’re also playing with fire. We’re playing with our economy, with the future of the economy, livelihood of jobs and with our future
“We are a tourist destination and people who travel to a tourist destination look for peace of mind. Thank God our visitors have been in a fairly safe environment, but should things get out of control, it could devastate our economy and these folks who are doing this, have no idea what they are potentially messing with in terms of the livelihood of every Bahamian,” he said.
The Nassau Tourism Development Board represents a cross-section of 150 businesses in all areas of the tourism arena, including the retail, attractions, excursions, hotel and transportation sectors.
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce President Raymond Winder echoed Mr. Comito’s concerns.
Mr. Winder said while the Chamber is concerned about the crime and violence in the community, it is even more concerned that in a time when the economy is struggling, investors and businessmen seem to have become the target for robberies and even murder.
“Considering the vital role and importance of the business community, it is foolish and reckless to attack and destroy that entity and individuals [who] contribute directly to you and your family’s well being,” Mr. Winder said.
He said the Chamber is urging all citizens and residents, but especially businesspersons, to exercise a greater degree of caution – both at home and within their business places.
It is also advising business owners and operators to become more conscious of security and safety measures and if possible, invest in security training, security systems and strategies for them, their employees and their businesses.
The Nassau Tourism Development Board, meanwhile, continues to send downtown businesses, tips, updates and warnings on crime.
The Board conducted two evening audits with a group of volunteers, where it targeted about 60 businesses that needed improvement in their lighting situations, twice in the past year.
“Many of them have done so and these are the practical things which we can do to make a safer environment. BEC has been incredibly cooperative,” Mr. Comito said.
The Board has tried to be particularly proactive to prevent midnight break-ins, he said.
“In fact, as close as December past, we requested (the police) cooperation in beefing up patrols down town as we saw an increase in incidents of mid-night burglaries. In recent weeks, the police have apprehended a number of individuals down town. We’re hoping that kind of diligence continues,” Mr. Comito said.
“We’re sending out a special appeal to downtown members, asking them to keep their eyes and ears open and appraise us and the police of situations that may be suspicious,” he added.
The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Development Board has also brought renewed focus to its anti-crime efforts following the murder of Danish investor, Arne Petersen. The Board also believes safety against crime is critical to the well-being of a thriving tourist and residential community.
Both Mr. Comito and Mr. Winder agree that crime is not a government problem – but a community problem.
“The Chamber extends itself to the government and to interested members of the wider society for the development of partnerships aimed at finding solutions to crime,” Mr. Winder said.
“We can’t continue to look to the government to solve this problem. We can’t sit back and wait for government to do everything for us,” Mr. Comito said. “As citizens we need to be involved and much more proactive in making the communities safer.”
The public is encouraged to call the crime tips hotline at 328-TIPS (8477). Police point out that the identity of callers is never required.
By Hadassah Hall, The Bahama Journal
