Tourism can’t dodge bullets forever

THE RECENT INCREASE in gun attacks and deaths in Barbados will lead to a drop in tourist arrivals in the long run.

Unless the police and politicians in Barbados get a hold of this lawless behaviour urgently, many tourists will avoid vacationing here and will opt for other destinations that are safer and more peaceful, such as some countries in Asia and the Caribbean.

Barbados is fast becoming a known gun violent society, similar to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and this will eventually lead to fewer tourists visiting the island. The violence will also have a negative impact on the economy that depends on tourist dollars for its survival.

The politicians that are currently running the country, therefore, need to wake up and address this lawless behaviour as a matter of urgency, and channel as many resources as possible in that direction before it is too late and all is lost.

Barbados needs to maintain a positive reputation abroad if it is to compete on a world stage in tourism. It is a matter of common sense, and understanding the issues that are important to a country’s survival and development.

– ASHLEY L. MCCLEAN