"SPOT THEM and stop them ... Jamaicans and visitors alike," is the call coming from Minister of Entertainment and Tourism, Mrs. Aloun N'dombet Assamba.

Addressing tourist industry players at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's (JHTA) Annual General Meeting at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Rose Hall last weekend, the minister said that one of the most insidious crimes plaguing the sector globally is that of sexual exploitation of children in tourism.

She said that while Jamaica has taken solid steps since last year's 'tier three' ranking by the United States State Department to advance to 'tier two' watch list, the country has to remain vigilant.

"In fact, we should not need 'Uncle Sam' to tell us to look out more aggressively for the most vulnerable in our society. After all, prosperity in our sector is predicated on social stability and shared prosperity," she stated.

ACTIVE SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

She said that although Jamaica is not alone in terms of having children at risk, it would be in our best interest, individually and collectively, to separate ourselves from other major destinations by an active social conscience.

The minister's call comes after the much-publicised launch of the paedophile political party formed recently in The Netherlands, and forms part of a five-prong recommendation to direct the way forward.

She spoke of the issue of crime and the perception that the island is not safe for tourists outside of the large hotels; increase in visitor spending; the development of cultural activities ensuring a meaningful visitor experience; leveraging of local businesses and sporting events to support the industry.

NOT ALONE

In her urging of the protection of the island's children and the stopping of predators that are assaulting them, the minister is not alone.

A few days ago, the Vietnamese Government said it was ready to take stern action against "tourists behaving suspiciously around local children." That country has launched a campaign, signalling a strong message for those visitors who indulge in shameful acts with children.

NATIONAL HOTLINE

The campaign encourages local citizens and responsible tourists to use a national hotline if they observe tourists behaving suspiciously around local children.

The campaign is as a result of a 10-year partnership between ASEAN, the Australian Government, and child protection agency Child Wise, which has resulted in improved laws, better law enforcement, heightened surveillance and jail terms for tourists who sexually exploit children.

Reports in the press quoting Vietnam's Deputy Director of Administration of Tourism, Pham Tu, noted that recent events had shown there was a deep need to protect children and its tourism industry, by working in partnership with the business sector and sending a strong message that child-sex offenders are not welcome in Vietnam

Article adapted from the Gleaner Company's Tourism Magazine
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