Dear Sir
The launch of the Tourism Oriented Policing Program (TOP) to train law enforcement officers to create “positive first impressions” on visitors is another stroke of hypocrisy by this government when those on the front line such as immigration officers are being treated with utter disdain.
The TOP Program is nothing but “spinning TOP in mud” as this program will have little benefit when passengers entering Trinidad via Piarco are subjected to long lines and dreadful waiting times due to few immigration officers on duty as a result of this government’s inability to pay overtime since 2019.
This government cannot be serious about creating “ positive impressions” on visitors when there has been little focus not only on bettering the working and salary conditions of immigration officers but added no extra innovation, training or support for all workers within the tourism industry within Trinidad and Tobago.
Instead of these cosmetic programs, this government has put zero focus on ensuring staff and infrastructure are on par with global standards to welcome tourists into our nation.
How could this government be seriously focused on first impressions on visitors when we were internationally embarrassed with dogs on the runway hindering the proper flow of flights? How can this government be seriously geared towards leaving key memories in the minds of visitors when our beaches, as a tourist destination, do not have lifeguards?
This program is just a feeble attempt to cover up how the way of life in Trinidad and Tobago has become unappealing to visitors and tourists given the high levels of crime, rising living cost and decay of our national infrastructure.
David Lee, MP
Member for Pointe-a-Pierre
