Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com
NASSAU, Bahamas: Several organizations involved in the tourism industry are coming together with The Royal Bahamas Police Force to address the growing problem of tourist rapes.
Commissioner of Police, Paul Farquharson, pointed out that this move is designed to bring all the agencies under one umbrella with a comprehensive plan of action to advance some prevention working collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the U.S. Embassy and the Chamber of Commerce on the serious issue of protecting visitors to the country.
Farquharson pointed out that the force is concerned about all crimes, but stressed that crimes against visitors such as tourists have serious implications.
"Crimes that are committed by Bahamians or anyone for that matter against our tourists are certainly a threat to our bread and butter and we are extremely concerned," said Farquharson, adding that if something happens it is dealt with very professionally and very quickly.
The top cop said it is his view that all Bahamians have a duty to ensure that the tourists and other visitors who come to the country remain safe and ensure that an environment is conducive to their enjoyment and whatever entertainment they want to engage in.
The United States Ambassador to The Bahamas, John Rood was quoted in the Florida press as having raised strong concerns about rapes against tourists in the Bahamas.
However, Farquharson said the police are determined to address those concerns.
Data made available to Caribbean Net News indicated that between 2000 and 2004, the total number of reported rapes were 546 of which 49 were visitors to The Bahamas. Police say this represented approximately 9 percent of all rapes reported to the police during that period.
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