New security plan to safeguard visitors

The Security Vice-Minister, Rodrigo Cigarruista said that given the insecurity in the country tourists could potentially come face to face with threats such as thefts, robberies, fights and protests and “we need to do everything in our power to give visitors a real sense of security without an overwhelming police presence.”

“Security is a big issue in Panama and if tourists feel in danger they will not come and visit our country,” said Cigarruista.

As part of the security plan two routes between Colon and Tocumen have been set up to transport visitors in a secure manner.

Personnel from the National Police, Traffic Terrestrial Transport Authority, Civil Protection and Fire Brigade and others will be present from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Sunday to face any incidents.

During a speech about Security and Tourism, that was part of the Tourism Forum 2008 organized by the Panamanian Enterprise Executives Association, Cigarruista said that the red route will cover the North and South Corridor and the Panama-Colon highway The green route will cross the Ricardo J. Alfaro road.

The vice-minister added that it is important to protect visitors and Panamanian passengers who are going to board a cruise ship in Colon and the government has been in contact with Tocumen Tourism Taxis, the Colon Taxis and the Terrestrial Traffic Authority to put in service 16 coaster buses that will transport tourists to and from Colon to Tocumen.

Under the new plan, taxi drivers will be given a ticket and will only be allowed to make three round trips a day to avoid fatigue that can cause car accidents.

There will also be secure parking in Colon 2000 Port for 300 cars where passengers can leave their vehicles and collect them when they come back.

Another measure that will be put in place is a security operation in which National Police agents will visit tourist sites in Colon and Panama two hours before visiting groups arrive to remove “undesirable” individuals such as beggars and homeless people so that tourists will not be harassed.

After that there will be support staff to continue the surveillance through cameras and in person to deter any would be thieves from attacking the tourists.

Cigarruista added that the Tourist Police program will be extended to other parts of the isthmus to guarantee the safety of visitors in all provinces.

Finally he added that it is important to promote and maintain the image of Panama as a safe country to encourage tourism.