Crime could kill tourism in Tobago

THE EDITOR: When people ask me why I live in Tobago, I have an instant reply. It is safe. I tell them I can go out at night and take a taxi home without fear. I can sit out in my verandah and breathe fresh air without worrying that someone will attack me. I can sleep at night with my windows open and allow the breeze to flow through my home without worrying that my home may be burgled and that I could possibly be raped and killed. My safety has always been of paramount importance and so I chose Tobago to be my home many years ago.

Now, all of that is changing rapidly. Violent crime is escalating. It is becoming a crisis. Sadly, the police have a lackadaisical attitude towards the matter. Even the politicians are putting a lid on it because they do not wish to deal with crime. They are afraid of the damage that will befall the Tourism Industry. Many crimes go unreported. When they are reported, the police cover up because that is what they are told to do by the politicians here. The corruption within the police service and local government is rife. Tobago is beautiful. It is truly paradise, small, unspoilt, undeveloped with a real laid back attitude to life. These are some of the things that attract thousands of visitors to the island each year; mainly British and Germans. But reality set in last week when a friend of mine, a businesswoman well known on the island for her valuable work and contribution in various charitable organisations was attacked in her home. She has been living in the island for over 25 years. At the Easter weekend around 10 pm one night she was awakened by two intruders with a kitchen knife at her throat. After ransacking her home, taking her money and jewelery, they raped her despite her pleas for mercy. The police was very unhelpful.

Many of us are under the impression that only visitors are attacked and mugged. This is not true! Tobago is no longer safe for visitors! It is not safe for women! It is not safe for business people! It is not even a safe haven for Tobagonians! Politicians are not looking at the big picture. This island is heavily dependent on Tourism for its income. If we have no visitors to the island, not only the hotels and guest houses will have to be closed down, but the trickle-down effect will have devastating effect on the entire business community. Unemployment will rise and the social impact catastrophic. Aids and incest are two well covered-up problems on the island. Eventually it will not be easy to cover up the increasing number of brutal crimes. Soon to be another Trinidad, where you cannot even go to the Supermarket with out a security guard. Even there you are not safe.

ANTONIA WILLIAMS
Tobago