‘Show the science’ on new travel protocols – MP

Backbench MP Dr Sonia Browne has called Government to provide the scientific evidence behind its decision to make significant adjustments to the travel protocols.

The medical practitioner and Member of Parliament for St Philip North requested that the updated protocols be reviewed during parliamentary debate.

Under guidelines which came into effect on Sunday, fully vaccinated travellers with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result will no longer be required to take a second COVID-19 PCR test on arrival here.

Dr Browne said: “I, as well as the general public, public being the general public and public being the members of the medical fraternity mainly BAMP [Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners], have concerns with respect to the adjustment of the protocol that was put in place with respect to visitors to the country.

“We like to say follow the science, but I would like to know the scientific explanation, and I know I speak for the members of BAMP when I say so too, with respect to how the protocol of letting in tourists without a second test, which would be at day five, which in event would be maybe two days in a hotel which can’t really put off somebody on vacation.

“I would like to know how that comes into play here especially when we have issues of the Delta [variant] . Yes, it is community spread, but the truth is the Delta Plus and the Gamma are not here as yet and the only way I see it logically is for that to be here is to come in through the ports of entry.”

Dr Browne added that she was also disappointed that BAMP’s President Dr Lynda Holder was omitted from the discussions because “we do have a lot to say”.

The MP said: “And if you are going to follow the science, it makes sense to follow the science of the medical people in the country. They are working harder than I am with respect to COVID, but like everybody else we are really tired.

“Physically tired, mentally tired, and concerned and of course afraid whether we like to admit it or not. So, some of these things need to be addressed openly to us and the public.”

Dr Browne, the Chairman of Committees in the House of Assembly also urged the Government to inform the public about the costs of COVID-19 vaccines.