EDITORIAL - In the interest of fairness
Barbados’ tourism industry is vital to the country’s economic survival and, though current environmental issues plague some areas where visitors usually frequent, they are not permanent and neither would one like the effect on this country’s reputation to be permanent.
After last week’s criticism of this country’s handling of the South Coast sewage crisis in an article published in the British newspaper The Telegraph, and the flurry of defensive comebacks led by Barbados’ Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Stephen Lashley, and Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, there was serious concern raised about the impact of this situation on the local tourism industry.
Currently there is a health alert from the United States and travel advisories to visitors to these shores from Canada, the United Kingdom and most recently Germany, and this fact is being publicised heavily in some sections of the press and on social media, along with other images and video clips expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the sewage problem. Given that General Elections are constitutionally due in short course, this type of political propaganda is unfair, but unfortunately expected.
If fairness was to be pursued, in addition to calling the Barbados government into account for the length of time being taken to fix the problem and its management to date, there would be just as much focus given to outlining the steps being taken to resolve the issue. If fairness was the focus, it would be noted that Barbados is one of numerous countries and states which have travel advisories issued against them, including the United States of America. Also, it would be highlighted that even as countries seek to protect their own citizens with these advisories, they are not advocating visitors stay away from our shores entirely, they are simply informing and temporarily advising them against a specific area. The South Coast sewage problem is a mess, true; but seeking to stir up the waters for political momentum would be far messier.
Rise after a fall
Now, when it seems the tourism sector is under pressure, is the time for stakeholders to look to make it stronger. One way to do this would be to branch out from existing marketing campaigns which focus on sun, sea and sand and explore other options away from the coasts. And considering that the area affected by the sewage leakage is a small distance on the south coast, compared to the size of this entire island, it would seem wise to search out areas of interests in other places.
Also, give more focus to positive news and sources of excellence in the sector. Even as news of the sewage issue came to the fore, other exciting news broke as well. Barbados’ trailblazing accommodation Sandy Lane Resort not only maintained its AAA5 Diamond status, it received the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for the third consecutive year, being ranked No. 1 out of 13 prestigious global brands. This, after the island was voted No. 1 on the 2017 Destination Satisfaction Index just two weeks ago.
Therefore, it is evident that there is still much to celebrate with regard to the Barbados brand. What is needed now is for people to focus on the positive and stop promoting negative news. Elections will come and go, advisories will change as other issues arise, and this country – as all other do – will face some challenge or another. We should always seek put Barbados first and keep this country shining as a gem of the Caribbean.