If you attack a tourist or commit an offence against the tourism sector, you will be severely punished.
And it will start in the East New Britain Province, where the provincial government will impose a fine of K50,000 or a five-year imprisonment for offenders against the tourism sector.
THIS was announced by the Minister for Fisheries and Member for Gazelle, Jelta Wong, when commending police in East New Britain for the arrest of a man accused of bag-snatching and injuring the hand of an Australian tourist in Rabaul on the 21st of October this year.
Minister Wong, who is also a former Police Minister, has worked with local leaders to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the suspect’s arrest. He further announced penalties imposed at the provincial level to ensure the safety of visitors and tourism industry operators.
“There should be harsher penalties against people who try to hold tourists up, including a K50,000 fine or five-year jail term when convicted,” Minister Wong stated.
“Tourism is our economic driver of the future — in East New Britain through to the Highlands — and we have to improve perceptions of our country around the world.
“We cannot let a few individuals undermine our future when we are making great strides forward.
“This was an isolated incident but it fits in with that negative stereotypical view that some people have through the media.
“So we have to impose harsher penalties that mean any crimes against tourists, flight crews, ship operators and other tourism workers. It is as simple as that, we come down hard on idiots who would harm our tourism sector.
“I thank Police Commissioner, David Manning, for ensuring this process was handled carefully.
“Further, I want to see a presumption against bail for this type of offence against the tourism sector so these people go straight to jail and do not get out until their case is heard and tried.
“The launching of the tourist police unit in ENBP to coincide with the festive season as well as establishing sister units across provinces that are tourist destinations are a signal of the times to improve security focused on a specific industry.”
Minister Wong said the alleged assailant, 23-years-old, of mixed parentage of Sepik and Popondetta was escorted to police by his mother, where he was taken into custody.
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