“The Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts must immediately explain to the population why citizens who visit the Maracas, Las Cuevas, Vessigny or Manzanilla beach facilities will be exposed to life-threatening danger as there will be no Life guards at these facilities until further notice.”
That’s the question raised by Pointe-a-Pierre MP, David Lee, after the Ministry of Tourism announced on Saturday that until further notice, there would be no lifeguards on duty at the beaches. It said that citizens should take “extra precautions” during this time.
However, Lee in a media release on Sunday, said: “It is totally untenable, delinquent and unacceptable that both the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of National Security which is responsible for life guards are leaving citizens vulnerable as well as at fatal risk without any mechanisms to save their lives in the event of danger.”
He asked if government is unable to pay these individuals for their services, or is it that government has retrenched the life guards who provide services at these beaches?
Lee also queried if government is simply cutting costs at the expense of citizens’ safety?
“Whatever the issue, how could Minister Randall Mitchell or Minister Fitzgerald Hinds think it is suitable that these major facilities, which are utilized by thousands each day, could be left without life guards to protect lives? How could this be allowed especially during the July/August period when many children and families see these as ideal destinations for relaxation?”, Lee added.
According to the MP, it is ridiculous and atrocious for both ministers to believe that such an occurrence which could result in the loss of life or injury is acceptable.
Lee said this is another slap in the face for our population.
He said any harm or loss of life as a result of this breach of duty, will be on the hands of both Ministers Mitchell and Hinds.
Lee is now calling on both ministers to immediately implement measures which will guarantee the required number of life guards needed to preserve life and these beaches.
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