TPDCO COLLABORATES WITH JUDICIARY TO HOST
ANTI- HARASSMENT SENSITISATION
W O R K S H O P
Underscoring how culture has a great influence on how
harassment is perceived, Tourism Minister Honourable
Edmund Bartlett, in his address during Saturday’s opening
ceremony highlighted that “we (Jamaicans) do not
regard badgering as a turn off, but as a marketing
strategy. However, with the help of TPDCo, we will use
cultural realignment as a tool to help the harassers to
recognize that it is unacceptable to throw goods at the
visitors, but rather, to be subtle in their approach.” He said
Minister Bartlett added that the issue of visitor harassment
calls for greater awareness of cultural practices
and using appropriate approaches, to ensure that visitors
gain a high standard experience.
Keynote speaker, Minister Edmund Bartlett addressing
the audience at the opening ceremony for the sensitisa-
tion for Parish Judges
Honourable Zaila McCalla, Chief Justice of Jamaica,
who spoke on behalf of the judiciary, mentioned the
importance
of
the
workshop
activity
and
its
educational benefits. “I welcome the opportunity to discuss
relevant legislation as they relate to the safety and
security of our visitors who have come to our island
to enjoy the many notable attractions.” she said.
D
ue to growing concerns of visitor
harassment and its threat to Jamaica’s
tourism sector, the Tourism Product
Development Company Limited (TPD-
Co), in collaboration with the Judicial Education
Institute of Jamaica facilitated a sensitisation
workshop for Parish Judges, on the impact of
harassment on Jamaica’s tourism industry.
The two day session (Saturday January 13
and Sunday January 14) which convened at
the Montego Bay Convention Centre, explored
the challenges associated with harassment,
as well as the possible legal solutions to the
long standing issue. Delving into topics such
as changing culture in preserving the safety
of tourists, the licensing regime, protecting
the tourism product and overview of offences
and punishment under relevant legislation; the
workshop, with the guidance of the judiciary
is envisioned to assist in other efforts as well
as new strategies to curb harassment and
its negative impact on the tourism sector.
Chairman of TPDCo, Ian Dear presents a gift to Chief Justice
of Jamaica Honourable Zaila McCalla