By Tabora Bojang
The Minister of the Interior has recently embarked on a daylong tour within the Tourism Development Areas to assess the security and logistical preparations.
The visit came following the demilitarization of the industry, leaving the Police Intervention Unit as the sole protectors of tourists and TDA.
Minister Fatty first held a joint security and stake holders meeting on safekeeping and security matters with the officials of the Gambia Hotel Association, GTB and various hotel general managers aimed at discussing concerns, policies, wayforward in curbing security challenges.
“Tourism is an essential area for the government as it plays a crucial role in the economic and infrastructural development of the country and I want to assure you that tourism security will be beefed up. We will protect you around your hotels as law enforcement in this country is not what it used to be” Fatty said.
“Government is not imposing anything on the tourism sector but to facilitate and empower you so that your contribution to the national economy will be enriched,” he added.
He said for the Gambia to be among the best tourist destinations in the world its security should be of high standard and the need to be vigilant as the threat of terror calls for concern all over the world.
“There will be a lot of invisible security personnel to be deployed to improve their vigilance and detective measures.”
He said his ministry’s role is to keep the country safe and secure and will be willing partners with the hotels to ensure professional and efficient training for hotel security staff so as to improve their security service deliveries.
Minister Fatty equally warned that the TSU has zero tolerance for child sex exploitation, prostitution and other immoral attitudes in the tourism sector saying “we will not hesitate to set examples on people who are doing such immoral behaviors.”
Addressing the ground officers at the TSU headquarters in Senegambia, Minister Fatty expressed appreciation whiles urging officers to exercise professionalism and dedication at all times.
He also urged them to be vigilant in operational matters and to totally desist from any attitude not in line with their mandate.
