#BTColumn – Make it easier for us visitors to come

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

As we contemplate all the issues involved in the planning for my 31st visit to Barbados in the last 40 years, I find myself somewhat torn.

I love what the Government has done to make the beautiful people of Barbados safe and all the protocols in place for travellers to keep it that way.

In addition, I support the idea that those who breach quarantine should be dealt with swiftly and firmly. Those who do so don’t respect the country and its people.

That said, there are assumptions that low risk countries exist. All countries are a risk as the data shows.

It will only take one person from a low risk country to slip by and where does it end?

There are also assumptions that PCR [polymerase chain reaction] testing is easily accessible to all travellers. It is not.

Here, in Canada, I know of only one province that allows it to be done and there is no guarantee the results will be on time so most of us have to be tested in Barbados.

This means if one is coming for five weeks the cost of your vacation will be 20 per cent higher as you must essentially be in quarantine for six to seven days.

If you are coming for two weeks, it will be 50 per cent higher.

The issue is the Government is locked on to the PCR test when the ID Cube test has been approved in many countries due to it being very close in terms of results to the PCR test and gives results through cloud technology in 90 minutes.

Heathrow Airport is implementing LAMP technology, which also is reportedly very close to the PCR test, for departing passengers from terminals 3 and 5 but the Government seems to have closed ears and eyes on the subject.

A friend of ours from Quebec City is due to arrive mid-November and is fortunate to have access to PCR testing.

Assuming results come back as promised in time for departure, it will still be necessary to quarantine for four to five days, pending results of the second test.

I am told that there is no room service at the hotel of choice from the list. There is no facility to allow the purchase of food for the stay. What is one to do? Fast for four to five days?

It seems to me that the Government can continue to be diligent and thorough but it needs to open its mind to other technologies.