“It’s time that the Government listened to the what the travelling public is saying — do away with the Travel Authorisation [TA],” Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley said.
“There have been numerous complaints about delayed requests in obtaining the TA form. It has caused heightened anxiety and angst.
“I have been repeatedly contacted by distressed travellers and in one case that I am aware of, a family was forced to cancel its vacation because they did not receive their authorisations in time for departure. This leaves a family with a bad view of Bermuda and dollars lost in accommodations, transport as well as good and services!
“In addition, we have seen a letter circulated by Carnival Cruise Line regarding challenges with a cruise that was due to berth in Bermuda due to authorisation issues and the end result was passengers not being allowed to disembark upon arriving.
“The TA is putting Bermudians at a disadvantage when, in this case, people who can’t get off a ship; that’s food being taken off the table for establishments in Dockyard who have already suffered greatly after two bleak years of covid. Transportation ambassadors lose out on much needed work.
“As we work to rebound from Covid, and a poor economy prior to Covid, Bermuda needs to ensure that it has the best competitive edge. At this time we are losing out to competing jurisdictions simply because the government won’t listen.
“The form is a detriment and is impacting the future of Bermudians from all walks of life. It’s time for Premier Burt and the Government to wake up and understand the damage the TA is doing.
“Bermuda used to be a leader and sadly now it seems like we are a follower. Competing islands in the Caribbean have seen the wisdom in getting rid of cumbersome forms and to open up, as people want to travel.
“People want to live again after numerous Covid restrictions and they are going to places that are easy for them to get into and feel welcomed. Currently this is not case in Bermuda for local and visitors alike. We must do better.”
