PRESS RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC OPINION

The Government will not tolerate more aggressions between Tourist Services Providers and Tourists

The Departmental Government of the Archipelago of San Andres, Providence, and Santa Catalina, through the Secretariats of Tourism and Government, strongly and emphatically reject the acts of violence that occurred in the Blowing Hole sector in which were involved, both tourist service providers as well as tourists, who visited this renowned place on the island. As a result, the Secretary of Tourism, Yadira Olivo, stated that:

1.    The pertinent investigations are currently under way in order to clarify the facts and know the true reasons that led to these acts of violence.

2.    The Government regrets and condemns the recurrence of these behaviors, even more so when a process of accompaniment, advice and training is being conducted for the community of the sector and from all the institutions has been given support in order to improve the services and attention they provide to all tourists who visit this natural attraction.

3.    The Government and the Secretariat of Tourism do not accept under any circumstances, embarrassing acts such as those that Service Providers showcased at this tourist attraction. Whenever they attempt against their integrity and those of tourists by affecting the image of our island as a tourist destination.

4.    Taking into account all of the above, the Secretary of Tourism, Yadira Olivo, was emphatic in stating that no more aggressions and/or acts of violence will be tolerated, nor of the service providers, much less against tourists that visit the islands. Once the investigations have been concluded, the sanctions contemplated in the Police Code will be imposed on those who have provoked and carried out these violent acts. Likewise, this measure will be taken with those who incur future aggressions, including tourist service providers and tourists.

Finally, the Secretary of tourism, backed by the Government Secretariat, warned that these measures will be implemented drastically to ensure the safety and integrity of all visitors, since it is necessary to understand that San Andres is a destination that lives one hundred percent of tourism, and its economy is based on the good image that we project at a national and international level."Situations such as those presented yesterday, seriously harm the island, and unfortunately this natural attraction has become a prohibited site for tourism,"concluded the Secretary.