A viral video clip of an altercation between a local tour operator and a tourist has sparked debate about the line between customer service and personal safety.
The brief video recorded on a spectator’s cellphone shows the tour operator exchanging words with the tourist before punching him. The tourist, who appeared to be with a female, fell to the ground but was able to get back on his feet without assistance. The video did not capture the lead up to the altercation or followed what happened after.
Freedom FM learned that the tour operator hails from the Old Road area and leads ATV tours and that the incident took place at the Port Zante taxi stand area Tuesday afternoon. The tourists were dressed as if they had been to the beach.
It is being alleged that the tourist may have spit on and or kicked the tour operator which resulted in the man responding with violence.
Freedom FM spoke with an official within the Ministry of Tourism about the incident who said they had no comment on the matter since they had only seen the video on social media like everyone else and as at Wednesday morning they had not yet met with anyone to discuss the incident. The official assured the Ministry would definitely be investigating the incident.
Freedom FM understands the tour operator was present at the taxi stand Wednesday morning and seemed somewhat subdued. We understand from the Taxi Association that he is not a member and so they could not offer any comment.
Responses on social are divided with some members of the public saying they understood the tour operator’s response if in fact he had been disrespected and physically assaulted first. Others say he should not have responded with violence as this will cast the country heavily dependent on tourism in a bad light.
Freedom FM confirmed that both the tour operator and the tourist filed reports with police that they had been beaten by the other over a pay dispute.