Barbados to cover extended hotel fees as COVID test delays spark outrage
Gavin Riley / Our Today
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The Government of Barbados has committed to cover the costs of hotel accommodation for citizens and tourists who have been affected by delays in receiving their second coronavirus (COVID-19) test results.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, in a Saturday (January 9) address to the nation, said the government needed to “make the wrongs that have been done right”.
“I wish to announce that if your results are outstanding beyond 72 hours, the Government of Barbados will cover the cost of your hotel room until you get those test results; we will be covering those costs,” Cummins explained.
The assurance comes as the government was flooded with complaints highlighting the financial impact on persons in accommodations beyond the expected time, due to backlog at the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory.
According to the minister, over 230 persons have since qualified for the special compensation—approved by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Finance Minister Ryan Straughn.
Additionally, for visitors who used up all their travel days in quarantine without experiencing Barbados, the government is offering the opportunity, if they are so inclined, a paid return trip to the island. The return trip will be available after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If you want to have an opportunity to come back to Barbados…because you’ve not gotten your test results and you’ve not been able to leave your room. We want to invite you to make contact with us again. At that call centre (246-628-4150) and we will be welcoming you back to Barbados. We will be offering you a return trip to Barbados again once this is all over,” Senator Cummins announced.
She emphasised that Barbados had a long history of hospitality and apologised for the inconvenience.
“We want to make sure that we offer you the best that we have to offer. Things will happen and when they happen, we will stand up. We will take responsibility, we will correct them [and] we are working to correct this one,” Cummins noted.
As at Saturday, the public health laboratory had conducted 81,888 coronavirus tests.
Barbados confirmed 23 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the national tally to 808. The island is currently managing 428 active cases, while 373 patients have posted a full recovery. Seven people have died due to coronavirus-related complications in Barbados.
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