The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday expressed serious concern over the impact increasing crime levels could have on the Bahamas’ reputation as a global tourist destination

Speaking with Tribune Business yesterday on the heels of a press conference to announce government initiatives to tackle violent crime, in the wake of a drive-by shooting in the Fox Hill community which left four persons dead, Mr Wilchcombe said all Bahamians must play a part in helping to protect the country’s reputation.
 “The Bahamas has a good reputation out there. A lot of people are coming from countries where they have crime problems, including the United States, but they don’t want to come to a destination that is promised to be peaceful but they have to keep looking over their shoulder,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “We have to put the image out there that this is still a very peaceful country. It starts with us.” 
Noting that reports of the Fox Hill shooting have been spread via several international media outlets, Mr Wilchcombe said: “We’re very concerned about it. We have to find ways to deal with it. We don’t want anyone to have the impression that we are not doing anything to curb the problem because we are.

“When you have alarming circumstances like in Fox Hill it causes even greater concern globally. We need to communicate the message that the Bahamas is a safe place.

“At home is where the work is required, because unless we can curb the problem and reduce serious crime, at the end of the day we will not have the effect we require to ensure that the Bahamas maintains its good image abroad.”