08/29/08, 00:03:27 UTC

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Minister vows new tourism watchdog

gulf-daily-news.com

"Discos and bars are operating on full scale, with prostitution and sleaze becoming more popular," said Shaikh Mohammed.

Manama,Bahrain - A NEW tourism authority is on its way to help solve the problems in the sector, Information Minister Jihad Bukamal told MPs yesterday.

He said that the ministry's tourism affairs directorate was currently doing its job in the best way possible despite staff shortage.

"We are currently working to develop the directorate to enhance its work until the new tourism authority is set up."

Mr Bukamal was commenting on a parliamentary proposal to have the ministry come up with short and long term plans to "preserve and nurture Islamic and traditional values" in the country.

The proposal was unanimously approved by MPs and will be referred to the Cabinet to be passed.

"MPs are accusing the ministry of not doing anything to close down hotels violating tourism rules, but a number of hotels have already been closed down and cases have been transferred to the Public Prosecution," said Mr Bukamal.

"The tourism sector needs development and we ask your patience."

Al Menbar MP Shaikh Mohammed Khalid Mohammed said that the ministry was not keen or sincere on the issue and had no proper monitoring on tourism.

"Discos and bars are operating on full scale, with prostitution and sleaze becoming more popular," said Shaikh Mohammed.

"Most of the hotels have now become richer due to the poor monitoring by the Tourism Affairs Directorate, as many have reopened their dance halls, despite being banned."

Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Al Wefaq's Jawad Fairooz said that Bahrain Television was also broadcasting "tasteless music and indecent dancing", especially on Thursday nights.

"The Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation doesn't respect people in what it presents," he said.

"If it did, it would not have put lousy music on the night marking the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed, until we called officials telling them to take off the air and they did.

"We don't need to tell the ministry what to put or what to do, it should know what's right and what's wrong by itself, through plans that it draws."

 Printable Version  | published Nov 28, 2007