Vendors, traders and taxi drivers expressed mix reactions to the recent denial of the US Cruise Ship Aida Perla docking in Antigua & Barbuda.
Some applauded the government for making the decision to turn away the 3,000+ passenger cruise ship while others believe the government could have handled the matter differently.
In a recent press statement issued by the Health Ministry, in preparing to receive the Aida Perla cruise ship, scheduled to dock in Antigua and Barbuda on February 4, 2020, officials reviewed the Maritime Health Declaration submitted on February 3, 2020, and discovered that it was insufficient to make a proper assessment of the health situation on the vessel.
As a result, additional crucial information was requested, but not provided in a timely manner. Consequently, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment was not able to support a decision to allow the ship to berth and recommended the cancellation of its call at the St. John’s Harbour.
It is reported that the ship was denied because several passengers onboard were suffering from a respiratory illness.
Days after the vessel was also denied entry in St Lucia and Dominica. It was however allowed to dock in St Vincent on Friday.
A taxi driver shard he believes the ship should have been allowed to dock making note that ship was allowed entry into St. Vincent.
Tour Operator, Eli Fuller, also provided reason why the government should have allowed the docking saying that, “If we are going to send back a vessel every time there is a fever on board then we are going to have huge problems in a small little country that is not self sufficient”.
On the other hand, other business operator were pleased with the government decision highlighting that safety should always be the number one priority.
“I think the government made the right decision; it is just one ship,” a taxi driver said.
Another driver said, “It was the best decision under the circumstances, especially in light of the fact that the entire population could be affected by this dreaded virus.”
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It’s always right to err on the side of caution. Greed don’t triumph over the health of a Nation….
Say 1 say 2..You all cant bring back a life already taken. If they had allowed it to stay and it turned out that they had the virus..knowing Antigua is small..How long do you think it would have taken for it to spread?
Should they have quarantined the ones already showing Respiratory issues and allowed the others to enter the port? Before they showed respiratory issues, how many people on that ship had direct or passing contact with those? All for a buck.
Because St . Vincent take them..we should too? I seriously pray that isn’t what those poor people are suffering from..Lets wait and see if any cases develop there in St. Vincent. Another thing..The whole world knows of this epidemic, Shouldn’t those travelling taken into consideration how other islands may react?
that taxi driver seem to love money more than the health of himself and others. lets say the government let them in and they all have viruses! the whole of Antigua is at risk cause he want make a few US dollars? When you dead you feel you can spend money or take it to the grave? that seem money you might get today when they come in will be the same money x5 you will spend on doctor bills.
Exactly
I thought THEY NOT MAKING NO MONEY THEY ALWAYS CRYING TAXI & VENDORS THAT THEY NOT MAKING MONIES ….SO WHY HE CARE SO MUCH ….PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE .
THESE TAXI MEN ARE VERY SCRUPULOUS GREEDY EVEN AT THE RISK OF THEIR HEALTH…
Similar experience ….
At least 10 people on board a cruise ship docked in the Japanese port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus, health authorities say.
Almost 300 of the 3,700 people on the Diamond Princess have been tested so far. The number of infected could rise.
It would be nice to hear Chalkie’s opinion!
lmao! He can’t even spell his name. IS he still protesting GPH or he toarn dung like Tarpan?
I am in total agreement with the decision our health officials have made. Health and safety are very important to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. This time of year is our flu season. Precaution measurement is better than no cure.
And how do you know that? Oh I know, by simply not minding your own business. And you shouldn’t be accusing anyone of not being able to spell you imbecile!! 😂
He and Jamal Pringle in the same both. Just that Chalkie drive taxi and Pringle vehicles more expensive.
Lol
Government made the best decision for wealthfare of the ppl of Antigua, they are elected to serve the interest of ppl.
If they had allowed that ship to dock the opposition and their radio station would tear the authorities too pieces. The decision is about safety and health.
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