This country’s air and seaports are set to reopen to commercial traffic from July 1st.
Starcom Network News understands that there was general support for the reopening when key stakeholders comprising the social partnership met yesterday under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
A special sub-committee was meeting this morning at the ministry of tourism under the Chairmanship of minister tourism and international transport Kerrie Symmonds to agree on the final details of a reopening plan including the health protocols to be put in place.
The plan will form the basis of cabinet paper to be submitted for approval on Thursday when cabinet meets.
Sources who were involved in the social partnership discussions tell Starcom Network News that Prime Minister Mottley wants to ensure that all stakeholders are agreed on the protocols for reopening.
Barbados’ borders have not been closed during the three-month covid-19 pandemic shutdown, allowing cargo flights and shipments to continue, along with repatriation flights, but commercial airline flights were halted.
The first sign of the imminent reopening came over the last few days when a UK charter operation Caldonia Jets in collaboration with a company called Blue Sky Luxury announced it was commencing a weekly chartered flight directly from the UK to Barbados from July 3rd.
The company stated that they will be operating a covid-19 self-isolated testing strategy for all passengers 24 hours before departure and stressed that the system is supported by the Barbados Chief Medical Officer.
