Dunkley: ‘It Is Time To Consider Eliminating TAF’
“The One Bermuda Alliance suggests that now it is time to consider eliminating the TAF, and the expense involved with it, and instead have a policy similar to the US where before boarding a plane to the island the traveller will have to show a valid negative PCR test and, if vaccinated, a vaccination certificate,” Shadow Minister of National Security & Health Michael Dunkley said.
Mr Dunkley said, “Since Father’s Day weekend many Bermudians, residents and visitors to the island have been subjected to challenges completing the travel authorisation form [TAF]. This has caused undue stress, anxiety and, at the very least, extra hassle on the journey to Bermuda.
“The numerous public accounts clearly illustrate the challenges people have needlessly and unnecessarily faced due to changes by the PLP Government that were not implemented properly. How could a new policy be implemented and the government website not be updated?
“The PLP Government should have expected issues if any changes were not done properly. After all, the form became more cumbersome and, with more people traveling, the system would naturally be under more pressure due to the increased TAF applications!
“It is unacceptable that people have had to endure stress over the past 10 days or so and it is concerning that those who man the hotline were not available to deal with the increased calls.
“Sadly, the PLP has to date only taken triage measures such as updating the website days after the changes took place and announcing this week that Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] staff will be at JFK in New York to help!
“We can and we must do better than this.
“The Government is not listening to the people they serve. On the heels of great concern about quarantine paid for by travellers who are not vaccinated, these recent changes were enacted sloppily to say the least!
“The One Bermuda Alliance suggests that now it is time to consider eliminating the TAF, and the expense involved with it, and instead have a policy similar to the US where before boarding a plane to the island the traveller will have to show a valid negative PCR test and, if vaccinated, a vaccination certificate.
“This still protects our borders and, if the government deems it necessary, the current testing upon arrival and on day 4, 8 and 14.
“The One Bermuda Alliance is willing to discuss this viable suggestion with the Government in the best interest of Bermuda and work collaboratively to find solutions.
“People are tired, fed up and now questioning many of the government policies. The OBA has always been willing to work with the Government, especially through the pandemic. Let’s work together for the good of our island home.”
You can find more information on the links below and also on our dedicated website BermudaCovid.com, which is the most comprehensive resource and historic record available of Bermuda’s handling of the pandemic.
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of testing stats here
- Vaccinations: Data covering vaccinations here
The Government has no idea what’s going on. They say they use data and science but what they are doing is not based on either. People are rightly sick of the false rules which do not apply to MPs who make them. Optics is not an excuse, in the UK Ministers resign when caught, but not in Bermuda.
It seems to be that the OBA is simply trying to find anything that will stick and then issuing a statement in that regard.
The TA form is not new. It has existed since the borders opened last summer. Yes there have been some issues of late, but they can be resolved. The whole form does not need to be thrown out.
Regardless the TAF. Should go. Either a Covid negative or be vaccinated.
The OBA is doing what any opposition party is supposed to do. Point out any stupid stuff the governing party does.
The PLP was a great opposition party. They criticized everything the UBP did in the hope that something would stick.
The OBA is a useless opposition party. The PLP is a useless governing party. They provide the OBA with an unending supply of cannon fodder that the OBA fails to take advantage of.
If the majority of the population are vaccinated then its time to move on with life and get rid of masks and social distancing. Those who don’t want to vaccinate should have the choice not to but not be forced to quarantine in a hotel at their expense that’s just draconian idiocy. No human has the right to eternal life on earth and there are many other things that will kill you before Covid does so move on folks nothing more to see here!
I agree. Eliminate the TAF. It is bad enough traveling and getting into long lines, but to return home and have to go through the hassle with the TAF is too much. GET RID OF IT.
Michael Dunkley is being far too diplomatic.
It is way past time to rip up the TAF & end all of the aggravation, money & stress that it has created for travellers to Bermuda.
It doesn’t matter if the TA is not new it still has to go, plain and simple.
“have a policy similar to the US”
Poly-tricks.
I would prefer a policy closer to that of Canada or Australia … wait, that is what we have!