We, the undersigned, fervently reject the decision announced on January 9th, 2021 by the Government of Barbados to reimburse accommodation costs and/or extend return flights to tourists who have had to wait for 72+ hrs to receive their PCR test results.

It is unfortunate that the nation’s front-line workers, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, have not received any hazard pay despite their many sacrifices to ensure that this nation is kept safe in the midst of a pandemic that has cost both life and livelihood. We strongly recommend that our front-line workers receive their much-needed compensation. We thank them all for their service. 

Though we empathise with tourists at this time, travelling in a global pandemic is not without its risks. 

Given the financial constraints facing the nation, we, the undersigned, call on the government to reconsider its spending priorities and reposition the well-being of our heroes on the front-line as they continue the arduous task of preserving an entire nation.