The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have just read Hotel Worker’s Union President Darrin Wood’s almost unbelievable statement that people “will think twice about jumping on a plane” and coming to The Bahamas.

If it were only that simple! My wife and myself have been attempting to come to our Bahamian property for months. However, as so many letter writers to The Tribune have expressed similar problems in trying to make the journey, I simply cannot believe that leaders in the travel industry have sat back and allowed these difficulties to continue. Also why have not all the unions, the shop owners and businesses generally not spoken up against entry rules which make it nearly impossible for most people to enter The Bahamas?

Whoever designed the cumbersome Health Visa should be forced to resign. How could it be realistically thought that people could obtain COVID-19 PCR tests, wait two days minimum for written results, scan them to Nassau with the forms, be uncertain when permission to enter is granted and be on the ground in Nassau within five days. No wonder the hotels which are open are mostly empty and flights well below capacity.

So many of the Bahamian officials refuse to acknowledge that these poorly thought out policies have seriously affected visitor arrivals. Blaming it all on the virus and other excuses now has little credibility. Until the Health Visa is abolished and people are allowed to bring tests with them there will be no rebound. That is the only way travellers can arrive within five days if even feasible at that short time span. So much business has been lost and inconvenience caused for many as a result of these harsh measures. Most people here are well. Those who are unwell will not travel anyway. Many people are still travelling, but sadly very few to The Bahamas. For how long your economy can sustain itself with lack of tourism remains to be seen, but the problems have been mounting for months. Who is prepared to take the blame for the anti-visitor policies?

MICHAEL HAMILTON, CA

New Brunswick, Canada

January 26, 2021