Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s address to the nation – January 08, 2021. (PMO)

Barbados’ borders will remain open at this time.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made this clear during an update to the nation this evening from Ilaro Court.

Noting that there have been continuous calls for the country’s borders to be closed, she explained: “The reality is that the numbers that are coming into our borders are literally next kin to nothing, in terms of what we would normally have had…. Over the course of the days of this week … [we] would normally take thousands of persons coming into our country at this time of the year; we are taking less than 300/400.”

She added: “And what is of significance to me, as I look at the daily things, is that for example, Caribbean flights are in fact a lot more than a lot of the others, largely because most people are no longer coming in from those areas because they themselves are having serious problems with the virus, and they have generally shut down.”

Ms. Mottley further explained that the borders would remain open to facilitate those visitors on island, including some 3,000 British persons, who would need to return to their homes. 

The Prime Minister acknowledged that going forward, Barbadians, who would be travelling to Canada and the United Kingdom, might be required to travel with a negative PCR COVID-19 test that was conducted 72 hours prior to travel. 

She noted the added burden it might place on the testing system, but pointed out “we’re conscious of it, and we’re planning for it … and we are therefore working towards ensuring that we get all of that in place for Barbadians and visitors who may have to travel outside”. 

sheena.forde-craigg@barbados.gov.bb

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