by Marlon Madden
The year 2020 started out on a high for many businesses in Barbados, with soaring expectations and plans for several projects.
Despite starting the year with an economic decline, Government was also optimistic about several key development projects getting started, and favourable economic growth.
Then came the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and expectations were immediately lowered, hopes dashed and new plans emerged.
Shortly after the pandemic started affecting the island, rising debt and overall decline in the economy quickly became the order of the day as the Government was forced to borrow more and spend more to implement several social protection programmes and business support schemes, even as revenues declined.
No retreat from Government
Article by December 31, 2020
Sandals Barbados Resort and Spa will remain off the list of certified quarantine properties until the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW) is satisfied that its management is willing and able to correct a continuous breach of national COVID-19 protocols.
That firm stance was communicated on Wednesday as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kenneth George told
Barbados TODAY infractions at the Dover, Christ Church property, which were alluded to in a press statement on Tuesday, included “non-wearing of masks, the use of communal areas and the mixing of visitors from various risk categories”.
Cruise lines expecting a better 2021
Article by
by Marlon Madden
After what turned out to be a daunting year for the cruise industry globally, tourism officials are hopeful of a turnaround next year.
In its 2021 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said one of the defining characteristics of the cruise industry was its resilience, adding that “despite a challenging year in 2020, there is reason for hope and optimism heading into 2021”.
CLIA said based on its 2020 trends, some 74 per cent of cruisers were likely to cruise in the next few years, two out of three cruisers were willing to cruise within a year and about 58 per cent of international vacationers who have never cruised were likely to cruise in the next few years.
December 30, 2020
For the second time in less than two weeks, renowned international hotel chain Sandals Resorts has found itself at the centre of controversy regarding flagrant breaches of COVID-19 protocols that this time has led to harsh sanctions from the Government.
But in a strongly worded, exclusive statement to
Barbados TODAY, Sandals Resorts International vehemently refuted the allegations of repeated breaches and is accusing public health officials of heavy-handed action in the middle of dialogue between the hotel and the Ministry of Health.
The five-star property is also contesting an “implication” from authorities that three tourists currently in police custody regarding protocol breaches are in any way associated with its guests.
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