Edmund Bartlett reassures visitors after fatal police shooting at Sangster airport

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has sought to reassure travellers that Jamaica remains a safe destination, following a fatal police shooting at Sangster International Airport involving an American citizen on Friday morning.

Bartlett made the comments during a visit to the airport on Saturday, where he said destination assurance remains central to Jamaica’s tourism industry. He said the ministry is deeply focused on the protection of visitors and wants international travellers to understand that Jamaica is committed to their safety.

According to Bartlett, the systems used to protect the country’s tourism product are essential, especially at major points of entry. He said those arrangements are meant to prevent serious disruption at airports and other sensitive locations, even though the actions required to enforce safety can sometimes have fatal consequences.

The minister said the risk becomes too high when someone enters the wrong area, is not fully in control of their faculties, or takes an action that could threaten airport operations. In those circumstances, he said, security personnel are expected to respond.

Bartlett added that when members of the security forces act in such situations, their response should be viewed in light of the value it brings to public safety and the protection of Jamaica’s tourism sector.