Some Nation readers do not believe that recent negative comments highlighted in the Press will tarnish Barbados’ image.
Others believe, however, that there could be some fall out for this country if proper investigations are not done into the claim by Jamaican Shanique Myrie who said she was finger raped when she arrived in Barbados early in March, and the report  by former British actress Heather Heath who cited police negligence, when she said police failed to warn the public about the threat a serial rapist posed to the country back in 2004.
Our NATIONNews website readers were however of a different view. The majority of them believed the claims were having a negative impact on Barbados’ image. (See accompanying Poll)
This is what some of our Facebook readers had to say on the issue of the impact of these claims on Barbados’ image.
Greta Marlin: “Barbados is known for its hospitality and friendly people. The world wide ads displaying the beauty of the island and the international recognition of Barbados will continue to attract visitors from all corners of this world to the shores of Barbados. Barbados has been getting great reviews locally and internationally. Lots of people have sympathized with this country during the attempted tarnish of its good name. They know that Barbados, just like many other countries, will have its share of sad moments, but with its Pride and Industry, it will withstand the test of these temporary and mild beatings. The recent bad publicity the country received will not tarnish her good name. Barbadians, please continue to protect your shores from outside misfits”.
Dick Forde: “I personally don’t see why these recent incidences should tarnish our reputation. No matter where you live in the world there will be isolated cases of misadventure. Barbados have had other cases before that we have moved passed and we have even had tourists that were raped before and swear there will still return here because we have so much more positives. We would rather not have this kind of attention but it happens all around”.
Sherrie Bumbray: “Jamaica has one of (if not the worst) reputations in the entire Caribbean and yet people go there from all over the world. No matter how many bad things happen (rapes, murders, etc) people will continue to vacation in the Caribbean”.
Clarence Fields: “Barbados is not perfect and there are issues that need to be addressed. Bajans are good people but I feel the level of professionalism need to improved and that includes officers of the law [police ,customs etc]. I think we can offer constructive criticism without being unpatriotic”.
Samaria Chapman: “I would first like to say that Barbados should not take this laying down. We must fight for our honour at all cost.
Derek Gale:  “If there are increases of rape cases of female tourists in Barbados, well that would certainly tarnish the island’s reputation for a holiday destination. I agree that there are rape cases reported across the western countries. Don’t forget Barbados is an island and not huge country like other large countries around world. Not to mention when tourists go to a tropical island for a vacation like Barbados, the last thing on their minds are rapes, robberies and violent attacks against them”
Al Wright: “How soon we forget. The teenager whose body is yet to be found in Aruba. Has that tarnished the image of the island? This too shall pass”.
Silvan Barrow: While the initial reaction may have been a bit overblown, it does not change the fact that serious allegations need to be treated with the utmost importance. I believe it may be our response (or lack thereof ) to such challenges that can affect our reputation more than the incidents themselves”.
Peggy Davenport: “Tarnished? For some reason, we all know that in some of our countries people seem not to get along with each other on a one on one basis. Barbadians need to stick together like the Jamaicans [who] are glued to each other”.
