The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment’s Beach Safety and Security Unit held a special ceremony today (Thurs) to commemorate a significant milestone in the unit’s growth and its commitment to beach safety in Antigua and Barbuda.
During the event, six officers within the unit were presented with their official IDs, making them special constables.
Mr. Mclean Lawrence, a Technical Trainer within the unit and one of the special constables, highlighted the unit’s history and growth since its establishment in 2003.
From its humble beginnings with 10 members, the unit has now expanded to a dedicated staff of 60. Mr. Lawrence emphasized the unit’s unwavering dedication to maintaining and securing beaches.
Mr. Lawrence also commended his colleagues – Egan Samuel, Akeem Daley, Denton Williams, Travis Gumbs, and Peter Slowe – for their hard work, determination, and successful completion of a rigorous training program at the Sir Wright F George Police Academy in May 2021.
This program equipped them with the necessary skills to enhance beach safety and security.
Tourism Minister, the Hon. Charles Fernandez, commended the exceptional efforts of the special constables. He acknowledged their commitment to training and their wholehearted embrace of their new responsibilities.
“It is evident that these dedicated individuals surpass many of their counterparts in terms of fitness and professionalism.
Their commitment to training and their desire to serve our community deserve our utmost appreciation,” the Minister stated.
Minister Fernandez emphasized that the safety and well-being of Antiguans and Barbudans are top priorities in order to create a safe haven for residents and offer an exceptional experience to all visitors. Antigua and Barbuda is recognized as the safest destination in the region.
Mr. St. Claire Soleyn, Director of Policy and Planning within the Ministry, explained the significance of installing the special constables, stating that it is a long-awaited milestone and a crucial step towards achieving the Ministry’s goals.
He mentioned that the enhanced security measures, including the installation of towers and improved communication systems, will strengthen their ability to ensure safety and provide a comfortable experience for both locals and tourists.
Mr. Soleyn also highlighted the pride of Antigua and Barbuda in being recognized as one of the safest destinations.
He emphasized that this distinction should not be taken lightly, as potential visitors rely on the experiences shared by others through online platforms.
Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to exceed expectations,” Mr. Soleyn continued.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Everton Jeffers, who played a pivotal role in making the training of the special constables possible, emphasized the significance of their training, reminding them of their newfound status as professionals.
He encouraged them to carry out their duties with dedication and confidence, as they have the necessary skills to handle various situations effectively.
Whether it’s attending to individuals in distress or addressing disturbances, the officers are now a reliable resource for maintaining beach security.
As part of their role, they may be called upon by the Police for aid whenever required.
Their comprehensive training has equipped them to handle these responsibilities with proficiency and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
The Special constables have the power of arrest.
The Beach Safety and Security Unit, under the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, plays a vital role in promoting tourism and safeguarding the natural beauty of Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches.
Through ongoing training and efforts to maintain high standards of professionalism, the BSSU strives to uphold the country’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
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Congratulation to Mr. Fernandez and his team. This unit is long overdue. We need to do everything to protect our bread and butter. Our tourism industry. Six is a good start but it is not enough at all. Let the tourist pay a special tax for this to be financed. Or increase the Tourism Guest Levy. And we need to equip this unit with good communication technology equipment and also teach them self-defense and other techniques to apprehend criminals. In Miami you have them patrolling on bikes and they have the same authority to arrest people as police officers. These days we have electric bikes so they can get around faster.
Another of my favourite Caribbean destinations Barbados 🇧🇧 have regular beach patrols. Always proactive (Bajan police are also seen around doing foot patrols, making their citizens and visitors feel safe and secure).
Very pleased that our own Charles ‘Max’ Fernández has NOW followed suit regarding beach security and protecting the TOURISM Dollar.
Credit where credit is due. Good.
Just need our Police Commissioner Rodney to serve and protect the INDIGENOUS Antiguans – that would be great as well!
Brix. I also love Barbados. And only because when I go there, I have friends at the top of the social ladder that I lime with. And unlike in Antigua Barbados is very racial. In Antigua all the beaches are public. And locals need to be given access to the beach. Now I know it still is a problem at some beaches. But that is reality. In Barbados many of the hotels are at private beaches. No locals allowed. And not even for dining. You have to be well connected to go to a place like Sandy Lane Resort and play golf. My first encounter with racism in Barbados was way back in the early 70s. I used to live in Germany and decided to take a good friend and business partner on a Caribbean tour. Our first stop was Barbados. The old Caribbean Airways.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_airlines_of_Barbados#/media/File:Boeing_747-123,_Caribbean_Airways_JP7896.jpg
We arrived late at night and stayed at Sunset crest. The next day we left early got ourselves a mini moke care for rent and crisscrossed throughout Barbados. Now here comes my worst experience of discrimination. When we were entering the premises. The security stopped me from entering, while my white German friend went freely through. I told the security that I was a guest of the hotel, but he wanted nothing of that. My friend at the meantime was double of laughing. He could not believe that I used to complain about racism in Germany, and now I come home to my own Caribbean Island and was discriminated against. After much arguing and showing my room key, he called the front desk to confirm that indeed a black man was a guest in the hotel. And that was not my only racism experience in Barbados. But as I said, I have friends now in high places, therefore when I visit Barbados, I make sure that they know I’m coming and take me everywhere. But yes, Barbados is a nice place. It has beautiful hotel properties. But ordinary locals are not welcome. Both Jolly Harbour and Cedar Valley Gold Club are public, and anyone can play there. Only Mill Reef has a private golf course. Half Moon Bay used to have a nine hole as well that was only accessible to the guests. But in Barbados only one Government Golf Course is open to everyone, all others are on invitation of members only or guests.
So, I prefer Antigua of them. The color of your skin doesn’t matter, and I hope we keep it like that. Because for the many years I’ve been a member of Cedar Valley, there was a time when the Caucasian group wanted Lester to make it a private club. Glad he had the guts to tell them where to go. Antigua is not South Africa he told them.
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