Wendell not to design for tourist security force
PTI & GOANEWS, PANAJI | 06 September 2011 20:29 IST
The Goa government has decided to go ahead with a local fashion designer instead of waiting for the renowned Wendell Rodricks, who was roped in to cloth the Tourism Security Force in the coastal state.
State Tourism Minister Nilkant Halarnkar said Wendell was 'too busy' with tours resulting in coordination problems.
He was not available to decide on the design of their uniforms.
So, we have decided to assign the job to a local designer instead, Halarnkar said.
The minister said that Wendell was requested to design the uniform to make it "striking and visible from anywhere."
"We did not want Khaki uniform for these men.
They should be visible in the crowd so that people can identify them and approach for help," the minister said.
The special force is expected to remain on beaches to curb law and order situations and also guide tourists in distress.
It will consist of ex-servicemen who are being given hi-tech jeeps and other amenities to guard the beaches.
Halarnkar said recruitment for the force was on and it will be functional by coming season beginning from October.
Almost two decades ago, Wendell had designed different dress - white shirt and blue trousers - for Goa police.
However, it was later withdrawn as the government faced criticism over the new outlook.
The government shifted back to Khaki, the traditional 'fearful' dress of the police in India.
