The Government of Barbados imposed strict regulations regarding entry to the country in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, social media and other means of communication have been rife with comments regarding the conditions for entry and the fallout therefrom.
Some of the comments have been grossly misleading, without foundation, and have, to put it mildly, bordered on imagination and fabrication. They have managed to engender doubt into the minds of many who considered travelling to the island and perhaps led to the abandonment of any thoughts to visit.
I determined that I would not travel because of the stories put around. Would I be automatically quarantined for a major part of an intended stay? What would the conditions of my accommodation be like? My decision not to travel was therefore written in stone.
Alas, events over which I had no control conspired against me. My beloved sister Philo passed away. I had therefore to decide whether or not to travel to her funeral. Were I not to travel, I perhaps would regret the decision for the rest of my life. Bold as brass I took the plunge and decided I would travel.
But the wild rumours and counter rumours of military-like restrictions played havoc with my thoughts and preparations. I knew I would need a COVID-19 Certificate of Negativity and I was alarmed to be told it would need to be issued by a private clinic in the UK at a cost in excess of £100 and that a UK National Health Service Certificate was not acceptable to the Barbados authorities. Strange, I thought, and on further investigation, I received the appropriate certificate from the National Health Service which was accepted by the authorities in Barbados.
The initial information regarding the National Health Certificate was as bogus a piece of information as could be received, and I could therefore only assume that it was being used to line the coffers of some commercial organisation. I arrived without incident in Barbados and was able to attend my sister’s funeral.
The COVID-19 procedure for entry into the country could not have been simpler or more straightforward. I followed the protocol laid down by the Government and made entry without much fuss and certainly without hindrance. Naturally, the lines were longer than in normal times, but these are not normal times. However, I was soon in the baggage hall to be greeted by eager red-cap porters vying for my attention.
The operation staff had been excellent in carrying out their duties. The degree of professionalism, courtesy and efficiency was higher than I had expected and their eagerness to help combined to make this a pleasant experience. Paperwork was in order and I was dispatched by the officer with the Bajanesque comment “‘Go long’ bout your business and have a good day” after she was satisfied that all was in order.
Many myths had been laid to rest and been seen to be trash.
(a) I was not required to wait upwards of six hours; and
(b) I was not carted off to some remote part of the island under military guard.
The simple fact is that if you do not adhere to the conditions set out by the government, then you are bound to experience delays and possible hiccups. Should you arrive from a medium-risk classified country such as the UK with the correct paperwork, there is not a problem; if you do not, then you are bound to be subject to other conditions before entry is granted.
The authorities should be commended for the manner in which they have sought to protect the boundaries of the country in order to safeguard the good health of the nation whilst endeavouring to maintain some degree of meaningful tourism and economic activity.
It beggars belief that there are Barbadian nationals both at home and abroad who are happy to spread inaccuracies without regard to the truth when they are discussing the conditions needed for entry to the country.
My experience is not unique, but it is a personal story. I have spoken to some visitors to the island who did not encounter the hurdles that were supposed to have been placed ahead of them. They, like me, are pleased to scorch the rumours and innuendo that do no favours for the island.
The COVID-19 conditions are not desirable but are necessary. They are neither punitive nor difficult if we follow the guidelines laid down.
I have been taught that you should never, ever, complicate simplicity.
Vincent ‘Boo’ Nurse is a Barbadian living in London who is a retired Land Revenue Manager, Pensions and Investment Adviser. He is passionate about the development of his island home and the diaspora.
