Sandals Barbados is denying there was any breach of the COVID-19 protocols on its Christ Church property, and says no guests are involved in related matters with the police.
Management also expressed surprise at learning the hotel was removed from the list of Government-approved quarantine facilities while still in conversation with the relevant authorities.
“We have always worked closely with the Ministry of Health and CMO (Chief Medical Officer) to ensure that we are in alignment with the national requirements. It is therefore surprising to note that while there are assigned Ministry of Health officials on our resort daily, at no time was any perceived breaches brought to our attention until we received a letter from the Chief Medical Officer, to which we have responded in writing refuting the assertions and requesting a further review and follow-up meeting. We were amazed therefore that as this conversation was ongoing, we had to read in the press that the Minister of Health has issued a statement speaking to delisting Sandals Barbados as a designated quarantine hotel,” it said in a statement.
READ: Sandals delisted as quarantine facility
“Sandals further goes on record to refute the implication therein that there has been any issue involving the local police and our guests breaching protocol. There is no such issue involving any Sandals guests, which was confirmed when it was brought to the attention of the Minister of Tourism.”
The company said it took “industry leading steps to ensure the health and well-being of our valued guests and team members” and the protocols were strictly enforced to minimise risks.
“In fact we have separated our two hotels so that one is used exclusively as a quarantine facility, before guests move to the second hotel to enjoy their vacation. These hotels are operated as separate entities, with zero comingling of guests in order to ensure that all arrivals are properly quarantined. This is just one example of the extensive measures taken to ensure travellers are in compliance to allow guests ease and comfort while they abide by mandatory quarantine procedures, without difficulty.”
Management of the all-inclusive chain called on the Ministers of Tourism and Health and the CMO “who have not yet been to our hotel to see the protocols in operation” to visit the property. (PR/SAT)
