The local media was cautioned by the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to be more cautious in its reporting, because negative stories about the Bahamas are disseminated worldwide and have far-reaching effect on tourism.
As the National Tourism Conference turned its attention to the subject “Safety and security in a tourism environment”, it was pointed out that media plays a major role in potential tourists’ perception of the country.
“People will generally assume we’re safe, and it only changes when something happens and someone tells them otherwise,” said tourism director general Vernice Walkine.
She said her ministry has been working very hard to minimise the fallout whenever tourists do become the victims of crime.
In some instances, she said, tourists do not even report crimes that happen to them – even if they have lost money or valuables.
She said the ministry goes out of its way to contact and assist such visitors, so that they know Bahamians do care. “We have a responsibility to protect them,” she said.
Police Superintendent Christopher Rahming said that the Police Tourism Section are being commended for an “excellent job” in helping to reduce crimes against tourists in the downtown and Arawak Cay areas.
He added however that the local media must also do its part to help make visitors feel safe.
He pointed to an article in last week Friday’s Tribune about a tourist being robbed at Arawak Cay – claiming that this turned out to be false.
The Tribune quoted a caller on Love 97’s talk show, Issues of the Day, who relayed the details of the alleged robbery to host Michael Pintard.
The conference also looked at a “case-in-point” of negative media perception: the Paul Gallagher case.
Paul was a two year-old boy enjoying a family vacation on Paradise Island when a speedboat, veering out of control, skipped onto the beach.
The boat struck Paul on the head and he received fatal injuries.
The following factors in the case were pointed out:
ﾕ Media perception of inadequate government response provided the platform for continuous UK media scrutiny and coverage
ﾕ Disagreements between local authorities and British investigators amplified media attention
ﾕ Negative perception of Bahamian authorities was created due to what was seen as “delayed” enforcement of safety standards and regulations
ﾕ The media portrayed “slow response” as evidence of apparent “cover-up”
According to the presenters, the lesson to be learned from the incident is that it is important to take rapid and appropriate action at the onset of a crisis and demonstrate a fundamental commitment to addressing any underlying issues.
Also addressing the session was Assistant Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson, who said making Bay Street a “walking zone” by banning all motor traffic would greatly assist in the reduction of crime in the area.
Peter Duda of the New York publicity firm Weber Shadwick advised tourism officials that the reality on the ground must meet visitors’ perception of safety.
By A FELICITY INGRAHAM, Tribune Staff Reporter
