ST JAMES, Jamaica — On the heels of the death of a United States citizen, who was shot in a confrontation with police at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is seeking to assure that Jamaica is safe for visitors.

“The Ministry of Tourism is very concerned about the safety of our visitors and we want to make it very clear to the world that when you come to Jamaica, you will be safe,” he told reporters during a visit to the airport on Saturday for the official opening of the Artisan District.

It has been reported that the American was fatally shot after breaching security at the airport on Friday morning.

The man was reportedly observed in the fuel storage area and the police were called in. He allegedly attacked the police and was shot. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

“I think we have to look at it in the broader sense that if someone made a mistake and drifted to the wrong places and then because of either not being in full control of their faculties or something, the risk of them doing the wrong thing and causing a massive disruption in our airports or anywhere is too great,” Bartlett said.

“I think the security forces are alerted to act, and when they act we need to recognise their actions for the critical value that it represents, notwithstanding sometimes the unintended outcomes for some,” he added.

He said that safety is paramount for the sector and all visitors overall, “… even though sometimes the price of enabling the safety is terminal in an instant or two.”