Premier Parry underscores the importance of security to Nevis’ tourism industry
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Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry
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CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (OCTOBER 12, 2007) -- Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry underscored the importance of security and the implications it could have for Nevis if the island’s efforts at security was compromised. He said the successes achieved by security officers of the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) were a major contribution to the island’s economy.
The Premier made the comment at the graduation ceremony of a number of Security Officers who had completed their training. The ceremony was held at the Red Cross Building in Charlestown recently.
“It is our business to ensure that all visitors who come to our shores are kept safely in the hotels one the streets and also at the ports of entry so you have a big task and you have a very proud job and I hope you do feel proud about the contribution that you make to the economy.
“Let me say to you that if you fail in you’re your efforts at security the whole economy can be destroyed. Why that is so? It is very simple. Tourism is by far the main industry in our country. In fact it is what drives the country and what pulls along the other sectors of the economy so we have to protect it and we have to depend on you to help to give us that protection,” he said.
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| Some graduates of the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) training taking their oaths during their graduation ceremony |
Mr. Parry urged the graduands to take their responsibilities seriously and he outlined the co relation between the highest levels of security and the provision of service, a matter which he said was a Caribbean wide problem.
“Service does not mean rudeness, service does not mean crudeness it simply means treating human beings in a particular way that would encourage them to want to return to your country or would encourage them to want to do business with you. I am saying to you it is good that you are getting credit make sure that you maintain this credit and that you increase the credit. Service is absolutely important to us.
“The other thing I wish to say about service is we do not expect that you will give service to foreigners alone, that you will give service to people with a different accent or language. We expect that you will give service to everyone including your fellow Nevisians because I do realise for some reason, sometimes we tend to overlook our own and tend to be dismissive and brush them aside. I am saying to you, let us practise service wherever we go and I stress that,” he said.
~~Adz:Left~~Notwithstanding, the Premier told the officers it was important for them to be tactful, to show politeness, use soft words and to approach members of the public in a rational and reasonable manner.
“It will work, it often works as a tactic but it is also necessary to make sure that we continue our tourism industry, that it continues to grow strong and know that you are effective in the work that you do,” he said.
The Premier noted that while it was a good thing the graduands were given a chance to be involved in self development to study and write exams, it would help to build their confidence. He also encouraged them to use the opportunity as a first step in the expansion of their horizons and that they should make use of every opening availed to them and their profession.
