A proposal is being considered by cabinet today for the reopening of the Grantley Adams International Airport to commercial flights from July 1st after stakeholders discussed yesterday an extensive set of health protocols for air travel to Barbados.
This, in an 8-hour meeting chaired by the Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerrie Symmonds and involving more than thirty players including hoteliers, union representatives, and representatives of the wider business community.
Starcom Network News understands those protocols include COVID-19 tests for all people who want to board a flight to Barbados to vacation, further health checks when they arrive here and extensive monitoring while they remain on island including a requirement that hotels have on duty trained nurses to conduct regular health checks of guests.
Tourism sources also indicated that advance bookings for Barbados from November onward are looking very strong, especially out of the UK.
Starcom Network News also understands that a target date has been set for early November for the resumption of Cruise Ship traffic at the Bridgetown Port.
President of the National Union of Public Workers, Akanni McDowall, one of the key players involved in the discussions over the resumption of commercial air traffic, says the union’s key concern is having adequate protocols in place to protect frontline airport staff.
..
