Thumbs Up to Caricom Visa Policy

Saint Lucian Tourism Minister Gives Thumbs Up to Caricom Visa Policy

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Jan. 16

The hosting of an international event such as the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 necessitates the enactment of measures that would go beyond national concerns. Therefore, Caribbean countries hosting the event for the first time are duty bound to ensure measures are in place to safeguard nationals and visitors alike.

This was underscored by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia Senator Allan Chastinet while addressing European tour operators in a special forum at the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) annual trade show, Marketplace, in Aruba on Sunday, January 14, 2007.

Senator Chastinet said that in his capacity as a Minister of Government, he had received an intelligence briefing from regional security officials, and, based on the information received, was satisfied that it is necessary to enact what are considered unprecedented security measures for CWC 2007.

"I am satisfied with the intelligence briefing. We are very comfortable. Many of the things that we are doing for this global event will serve us well into the future. For years we have been talking about Multi Destination marketing. This is an ideal opportunity for us to make a positive step in that regard," said Senator Chastinet.

"We are hosting an international event, and, in this context, are doing things we normally would not do because circumstances demand it," he added.

Senator Chastinet, along with the Honourable Mia Mottley, Chair of the CARICOM Sub Committee on Security for CWC and Deputy Prime Minister of Barbados, addressed European tour operators in a special session in Aruba.

The tour operators had expressed concerns about the process for issuing of the CARICOM Special Visa, a cornerstone of security measures being implemented for CWC 2007.

Senator Chastinet impressed upon the tour operators the need for the Caribbean to undertake such a measure, pointing to the fact that the region is highly regarded as a safe place and this is a reputation the region wants to keep.

The CARICOM Special Visa is being issued by 10 Caribbean countries that have created the Single Domestic Space for the period of February 1 to May 15, 2007. The Space will also provide for hassle-free travel within the 10 countries for this period.

ENDS

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