Canadian minister faces backlash for Barbados vacation

A Canadian politician is in hot water over his decision to holiday in Barbados for the Christmas season while at the same time urging Canadians to stay at home and resist the urge to travel.

According to reports by the Canadian Press, Pierre Arcand of the Quebec Liberal MNA party was spotted on the island’s west coast with his wife, after issuing repeated requests not to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the province of Ontario is currently in lockdown because of widespread COVID-19 cases.

Defending his decision, the Canadian politician said he was COVID-free and he felt comfortable in Barbados which had managed to control the spread of the viral illness.

In a statement issued by Arcand, the former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, said he “regrets this decision given the current situation in Quebec and the respect we owe to health workers”.

However, the Canadian politician, who has been blasted for his seeming hypocrisy, said he underwent two COVID-19 tests on December 22 and on December 27, which were negative. He went on to confirm his presence in Barbados and described the island as “one of the safest places in the world right now”.

According to Arcand, he would “scrupulously respect the 14 days of quarantine upon return” to his homeland.

Canada’s federal and provincial governments have been discouraging citizens from travelling given the current health crisis which has resulted in rapid spread of COVID-19 including the new variant of the viral illness.

Earlier this week, Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness announced tightened restrictions on gatherings, and has warned citizens and visitors to the island about flouting the health protocols put in place to prevent spread of the illness.

As part of its response, Government has declared intentions to remove the Sandals Barbados Resort from the list of quarantine hotels as a result of proven breaches of the COVID-19 protocols. In addition, three visitors have been held for questioning by police for COVID-19 protocol breaches.
(IMC1)