Barbados has been thanked by the management of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the critical role played in facilitating the successful repatriation of 11,800 of its international crew from the island, and the compassion shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, President & Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, said: “With your collaboration, we have repatriated crew on 45 flights and seven ship voyages from Barbados, to over 40 countries around the world. This unprecedented and formidable effort would not have been possible without your support and leadership.”
Mr. Bayley also stated: “A special thank you to the people of Barbados, for without their compassion and understanding, so many of our crew would not have been able to return to their families and loved ones. It is this compassion that will forever resonate in a very special place in the hearts and minds of all of our crew and their families.”
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the professionals in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, who “worked tirelessly” to facilitate the repatriation flights.
He also thanked the officials of the Barbados Port Inc. for their “outstanding work” with Royal Caribbean’s marine, port and operations teams.