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Safety Security Seminar Anguilla |
| Publishing date: 20.02.2006 13:01 |
SSS Anguilla Safety Security Seminar Anguilla, Friday February 3rd
AHTA/Tourist Board Offices.
Thank you to the 40 plus members and interested individuals who attended. It
was a lively and informative session and obviously one of importance to
many. We would like to extend the associations thanks to His Excellency the
Governor, RAPF Commissioner Benjamin, Glen Hodge, Deputy Controller of
Customs, RAPF Inspector Elliott Forbes, Mr Mitchell Harrigan or Armorguard
Patrol and Technical Services and Ms Estelle Harris of Anguilla Electric
Protective who kindly gave their time to us.
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For those of you who couldn't attend and would be interested to know what
was discussed, please click through to SSS Anguilla notes a summary of the
main points raised during the presentations and subsequent discussions and
RAPF/AHTA Crime Prevention and Safety Tips a document to print out which
outlines some suggested safety procedures.
RAPF Crime Prevention and Safety Tips
SSS Anguilla (Safety Security Seminar Anguilla), Friday February 3rd
AHTA/Tourist Board Offices Notes:
The Governor and the Commissioner commenced proceedings and described a
changing society here in Anguilla and how the issues of safety and crime
prevention were being addressed.
They talked of increasing the size of the police force (the target number is
100), providing a task force, improving training as well as utilizing
policemen from Bahamas and the UK. Also mentioned were our 2 marine
vessels, increasing sea cooperation with SXM and increased security at
seaports.
It was also described how the community can help itself by changing its
mind-set. For example it is no longer sensible to leave valuables in cars
and we may need to make changes to our homes, simple steps, to make them
safer for us. Additionally that we must speak up and if we have information
make sure it is passed on.
It was commented that Anguilla is still a safe destination and it is our
challenge to keep it so.
After this the floor was opened up to the members and a number of issues
were discussed at length including:
Lots of members felt that our youth were suffering from lack of supervision
and that the tourism industry and it's demanding hours contributed to this.
Examples were made of families where both parents and grandparents are
working - often in two different jobs every day. This led to the idea of
making parents accountable for their children's behavior.
There were requests to make the police much more visible and to clamp down
on the little things (eg NY) which would have a knock on effect to
counteract major crimes.
Some concern was expressed that the police were unsure what to do at the
scene of some of the recent crimes. It was explained that sometimes the
police attend the scene of crime in 2 waves, sometimes the first officer to
attend would be there to ensure a quick response to the request, a second
officer would follow who had adequate training to deal with the situation.
The idea was posed of 'naming and shaming' offenders in the community. It
was also suggested that the prospect of harsher penalties for offenders
might make people confident to provide the information to gain convictions.
Responses included the difficulty of trials coming to jury and getting a
conviction, and getting the community to speak out.
There was a desire to improve the prison by providing separate facilities
for different types of offenders i.e. separate out youth and mental illness
inmates. It was mentioned that a juvenile system and a probation service are
being set up.
It was raised that an armed private security guard was being used to
'protect' a business and it's money transfers to the bank, at this point the
Governor pointed out very strongly that no one is allowed to have 'armed
protection' and they will be prosecuted if they do so.
Lack of money was mentioned a number of times in conjunction to providing
certain types of policing and one member suggested that any large
development projects that are given approval should come with some
conditions attached. The developers could pay for additional police - ie
that would mean they pay for the social and economic consequences of their
development.
It was suggested that an information line should be made where the voices
could not be recognized so that people whose voices may be recognized were
to be able to freely give information for convictions.
The problem of identifying or describing a property if a call for help was
made was raised. Traditionally Anguilla has not used street names and
numbers therefore it can be very difficult to accurately describe where
offences are occurring. Help was delayed in one instance because the victims
failed to describe how to get to their home.
Community involvement in a Neighborhood Watch or volunteering scheme was
discussed. It was agreed that this was a good idea and some local
communities had got together themselves. However it was pointed out that it
had been introduced before and will 'fizzle out' if there is not a
commitment. It was felt that 'if crime doesn't touch people personally'
there is little concern.
The Commissioner undertook to look into a scheme in Aruba whereby the Police
and the Tourism industry are working as partners.
We then had a short presentation from Glen Hodge, Deputy Controller of
Customs on the security of our seaports. He described our dangers:
importation of illicit goods, firearms, money laundering and terrorism and
talked about the increased security on our shores in terms of walk through
scanners (partially working) and soon to come x-ray machines and metal
detectors. These are for visitors who arrive through Blowing Point and the
Airport. More training is needed but progress is being made. Soon Cargo will
go though Road Bay and Blowing Point will be only for passengers. There will
be security cameras also.
He described the threat of our beaches, miles of coastline with easy access
makes us vulnerable. He is asking us all to work with Customs by ensuring
all our visitors pass through the correct immigration channels as some
guests are arriving and not doing this. He also described problems with some
'sea taxis' and warned us to be vigilant about what they were carrying.
Some members expressed concern about the length of time in immigration and
difficulties experienced by some of their visitors especially in peak season
and asked that a separate line could be made for them.
There was also some discussion of people coming in on boats, visiting our
restaurants and quays and not reporting in.
Following this we had an informative presentation from Inspector Elliott
Forbes on Crime Prevention Tips. Attached are some tips for you to print out
if you wish. We recommend that you read them.
Finally we had short presentations from two security companies:
Mr Mitchell Harrigan of Armorguard Patrol & Technical Services Inc who can
provide Guard Service, Bank Escort, VIP Services, Car Protection, 24hrs a
day, Plain clothed or Uniformed.
Armorguard Patrol & Technical Services Inc: 264 497 0886 or 772 3086
Ms Estelle Harris and Mr Ron Myers of Anguilla Electric Protective who
provide electronic security solutions ranging from individual smoke or
burglar alarms for private properties to integrated remote surveillance
systems for resorts and governments.
Anguilla Electric Protective: 264 497 3716
RAPF Crime Prevention and Safety Tips
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Attached files
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