The RECORD
Brent Davis
- WATERLOO REGION
As March Break approaches, Canadian Foreign Affairs officials say there are no plans to alter travel advisories for Barbados in the wake of a weekend attack on the island that left two Ontario residents unconscious.
"Barbados is one of the top tourist locations in the Americas, and crime does happen, just as it does on the streets of Canada," said Peter Kent, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the Americas. Calling the incident "unfortunate," Kent said crimes against tourists in Barbados remain rare.
Guelph resident Luana Cotsman and her mother-in-law, Terry Schwarzfeld, of Ottawa, were struck on the head with a piece of wood and robbed Saturday as they walked on a beach.
Cotsman has been released from hospital, but Schwarzfeld suffered more serious injuries. An update on her condition wasn't available yesterday, and police in Barbados could not be reached for comment.
Although Kent said he couldn't provide details on the case due to privacy concerns, he said Canadian consular officials in Barbados are giving support and assistance to the women and their families, and that Ottawa is closely monitoring the situation.
In instances like this, consular staff can ensure that medical facilities are appropriate and that local authorities are involved. They can also arrange for travel documents to be replaced if they've been stolen, and provide emergency financial assistance as a last resort if individuals aren't insured.
Kent said the attack serves as a reminder for people to be careful no matter where they travel.
A standard travel advisory, telling visitors to exercise normal security precautions, is in place for Barbados on Canada's consular affairs website.
"Most Canadian visitors to Barbados do not experience problems," it reads. "However, travellers should keep in mind that petty and violent crimes have increased."
In comparison, the situation in parts of Mexico, where drug cartel violence is rampant, has prompted an advisory for travellers to exercise a high degree of caution.
Kent urged travellers "not to let the fun in the sun distract them from the common-sense precautions."
