Black Immigrant Daily News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Barbados will be relaxing the mask mandate and ending the COVID-19 travel protocols from 12:01 am on Friday, September 23.

Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw announced major changes to the COVID-19 Directive during a press conference at Ilaro Court this evening.

Bradshaw stated that the mask-wearing will be optional, however, there will be exceptions for healthcare, education, public transport and those in prisons.

“The wearing of masks generally will be optional, however, mask-wearing remains mandatory for persons in nursing homes, private hospitals and senior citizen homes; persons in healthcare institutions including staff, visitors, clients and patients; all institutions where medical and dental services are provided; persons in prison, including staff, prisoners and visitors; staff and students at all educational institutions; all nurseries and daycare facilities for both children and adults and of course, persons who have COVID-19, as well as, persons who are travelling on public transportation,” stated the acting Prime Minister.

She maintained that the relaxation did not signal that Barbadians should stop being their “brother’s keeper”. She stressed that the elderly, people with “increased risk for illness” and those who maintain contact with such individuals should continue to wear masks.

“Individuals who are at increased risk for illness or death due to COVID-19, particularly the elderly and those with health conditions, may find it prudent to continue wearing masks around others. Similarly, those who have come into close contact with such vulnerable persons, you are encouraged to wear masks and to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene,” Bradshaw recommended.

Broaching on the removal of the travel protocols, the Acting Prime Minister added that unvaccinated and vaccinated travellers will not be required to be tested for entry to Barbados.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, who was also in attendance stated tourism partners and source markets will be notified of the changes.

The Tourism Minister said that the termination of the travel protocols will cause “a significant boost” this upcoming winter season.

“I certainly know that for the local tourism community, the industry partners…this is going to be a significant boost to our winter season which is upcoming because many of the people who are coming from our major source markets are they, themselves living in countries where these restrictions have been long removed and they are no longer in place except in some limited circumstances….and so it allows for a seamless transitions for visitors from their home countries to here in Barbados,” she said.

“If I am uncomfortable in my space, if I feel as though I am in a room where there are more people than I may be comfortable with or I feel as though I am symptomatic, I will wear my mask and that is a personal choice we will both make here and when we travel and when visitors come here as well,” continued Minister Cummins.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Demolition work is currently underway at the property formerly known as the Halcyon Hotel located at Dickenson Bay Antigua.

With a phase 1 completion and re-opening target of November 2023, construction crews are already on the ground engaged in the demolition of the structures to the far North of the property.

The project will see the addition of 227 rooms to the country’s room stock in the new Building F, the second phase of which will add 8 new water bungalows to the property’s Northwestern landscape.

Portions of the old property will be refurbished (Blocks A to E), with a host of new restaurants in addition to spas and a state-of-the-art gym facility will be added as well. A completely new back of the house or employee quarters will be constructed.

Tourism Minister the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez was granted access to the work site on Tuesday to get a firsthand view of developments.

“I am absolutely delighted that work has commenced on this project that will not only add to our hotel room stock, but which will create employment opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans in various areas”, Minister Fernandez stated.

Well over 500 persons will be employed at the property upon completion.

He continued that, “The Royalton Chic brand is high-end and will attract the type of clientele that will enhance the country’s tourism image internationally”.

Royalton Antigua General Manager Rudy Richardson says the company is very pleased with the support received from the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda that has contributed to the success of the brand thus far, and hopes for even more success in the future with the commissioning of the Royalton Chic luxury brand in November 2023.

The Blue Diamond Group is overseeing the management of the project with elements of construction sub-contracted to local companies.

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El presidente de la Unión Independiente de Empleados de la Autoridad de Edificios Públicos (Uieaep), Javier López, denunció en RADIO ISLA la falta de un plan de trabajo por parte de la Autoridad de Edificios Públicos(AEP).

“En la mañana de hoy hemos estado haciendo denuncias públicas por la falta de planes de trabajo por parte de la gerencia alta de la Autoridad de Edificios Públicos en cómo enfrentar una situación como la que está pasando nuestro País. Es una situación de emergencia donde nosotros entendíamos que la Autoridad tenía un plan de emergencia activado una vez pasara el huracán y vemos que en el día de hoy que no ha sido así”, afirmó López.

Asimismo el líder reveló que alegadamente se subcontratarán empresas privadas para realizar los trabajos de limpieza.

“ La información que tenemos es que  es que los directores regionales les están informando a nuestros trabajadores que esos trabajos van a ser subcontratados por empresas privadas, cuando tenemos el personal”.

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