Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has defended government’s handling of the covid-19 pandemic.

This following circulation of an article published by an online agency called Antillean Media which was harshly critical of Barbados’ early response to the pandemic blaming that for the current surge in cases.

The article says despite warnings from clinicians, Barbados maintained quarantine periods that were too short and testing protocols that were inadequate and also did not  sufficiently test the population even with its recent Seek and Save operation.

It alleges that even now Barbados’ testing approach continues to depend on the appearance of symptoms which leaves many asymptomatic cases undetected.

Prime Minister Mottley promises to engage with the author saying all views must be heard.

Prime Minister Mottley spoke to Starcom Network News during a break from the CARICOM heads of government summit which commenced virtually this morning.

Vaccination is a key focus.