Thomas C. Famous. Photo: Provided

Former Premier of Bermuda, Michael H. Dunkley. Photo: Provided

For example, a law student tends to study aspects of criminal law, commercial law, and family law in order to have broad skill sets.

Likewise, in sports, many players have played in more than one position to be a better all-rounder. For example, Sir Garfield Sobers is a great cricketer in both fielding and batting.

In the above examples, persons took the initiative to look beyond their immediate surroundings to enhance their personal and professional growth.

Myopic viewpoints

In many islands, persons have adopted an insular view towards issues surrounding COVID-19, vaccines, and related mitigation measures.

On June 29, 2021, former Premier Michael H. Dunkley, of the opposition party OBA, stated the following:

“The One Bermuda Alliance suggests that now it is time to consider eliminating the Travel Authorisation form…”

One has to wonder if this is his personal opinion, or if he is simply attempting to gain a bit of popularity with a particular segment of voters?

I suspect it is the popularity angle that he is going for.

Because as someone who travels, MP Dunkley would know that every single country requires some form of TA form.

Whilst there may be different things needed in order to fulfill all of the requirements of the form, the basic premise is that documents are required for effective border control.

Some examples.

In the United States Virgin Islands, one has to submit a COVID test within four days of travel. They also have to list where they are planning on staying.

In the [British] Virgin Islands, one has to submit a negative COVID test result, their intended place of stay, countries visited prior, and proof of medical insurance.

In Puerto Rico, one has to submit a negative covid test result or vaccination card, fill out an electronic form. If you do not submit a negative test or proof of vaccination, you are subject to a $300 fine.

Essentially, each island has its own set of requirements for entering its borders.

So, for MP Dunkley and the OBA to demand that we do away with these requirements is either idle political chatter, or an attempt at getting the government to drop effective border control during the rise of the Delta Variant.

Teething problems

Now, as for the forms themselves, there have, unfortunately, been some major glitches along the way that have irritated and inconvenienced both locals and visitors alike.

No one wants to have to go through these sorts of things at the end or the start of a journey. Those who have been inconvenienced have a right to expect better.

There is no disagreement about that.

The other thing that the OBA attempts to spin is the costs of the TAF.

For clarity, Bermuda’s TAF has a cost of Seventy- Five Dollars.

What does one get for that money?

One PCR test upon arrival and three subsequent PCR tests on days 4, 8, and 14, respectively.

If MP Dunkley wished to be honest, it actually covers five tests, since anyone travelling out of Bermuda has to be tested and present a negative covid test in order to enter the US or UK.

Comparative costs

Let us take a look at costs, per test, in other countries

● The USA: depending on where one goes, the cost can vary from $100-$150
● The USVI: $150
● The BVI: $70
● Canada:$200

So, in Bermuda, we are essentially paying Seventy-five dollars for 5 tests, or Fifteen dollars each, with results emailed to individuals within 6 hours.

Essentially, other countries are charging 5 to -10 times the amount, with turnaround time taking up to 48 hours.

There will never be popular policies when it comes to covid mitigation. However, there have to be policies in place or we end up with outbreaks of the Delta variant.

What has to be kept in mind is that hundreds of Bermudians are working around the clock to; administer tests, produce test results, to process TA applications, and to guide travellers as they reach Bermuda.

It seems MP Dunkley and the OBA, for political gain, wish to ignore global realities and have no regard for the hundreds of hard-working Bermudians keeping us COVID free.

To all those working on the COVID frontlines, Bermuda thanks you.