Government plans to introduce more security measures in the sister isle of Tobago following the attack on British couple Peter Greene, 65, and his wife Murium, 59. Government has also planned for the couple's family members to visit them. The couple was attacked around 2.30 pm on Saturday at their house in Bacolet,Tobago. Tourism Minister Joseph Ross made the announcement at yesterday's post-Cabinet news conference.
Ross said arrangements have been made for family members of the victims to visit them. "We have also been making arrangements for the relatives to be brought back to Trinidad so that they can stay with the Greenes. We are arranging counselling services for them when they are here so that we would reduce the impact that this kind of incident would have on them," Ross said. He said he visited the couple on Sunday. "We have faith that our law enforcement agencies will use the full force of the law to apprehend those persons who perpetrated this crime and those perpetrators are brought to justice as soon as possible," Ross said.
He said also, security on the sister isle had been beefed up and more measures in the long-run are expected to be introduced. "For instance they (THA) have established joint police and army patrols, special patrols by the Defence Force at guest houses and hotels. That was one of the immediate measures put in place. The re-deployment of personnel at Crown Point has been done and there has been the establishment of two hotlines in Tobago to deal with emergencies. Ongoing discussions have started with the police, hoteliers and security firms regarding improving security arrangements and accommodation at guest houses," he said.
Ross also said measures have been put in place to protect the Tobago seaside. "There has been the introduction of horse patrols on Tobago beaches, the introduction of the canine unit and the installation of the advanced passenger system," Ross said. He said there were other measures being considered such as the establishment of a police unit to deal specifically with tourism. Another measure now being considered was the establishment of a police marine unit and the increase of maritime and land enforcement officers on the isle.
Impact on Tourism
The attack on the Greenes would have an impact on the Tourism sector in Tobago Ross said. "We expect that it would have an impact. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we have adequate security. Systems are in place to give the visitors the assurances that the possibility of these people committing these crimes and getting away will be reduced significantly," Ross said. Asked if the Government planned to do further marketing of Tobago, he said marketing will be continued.
"We will continue to do our marketing as we have been doing in the UK and in other parts of Europe. It's now left to the Tourism Development Company and the THA to come up with their marketing strategies," Ross said. Commenting on the travel advisories from the UK and Australia which changed since this incident occurred, Ross said Government had noted them. "Government has noted with concern the travel advisory updates from the United Kingdom and Australia," Ross said.