Gov’t in talks over who pays for COVID testing – Bahamas Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister has confirmed the Government is initiating talks with the hotel industry over whether unvaccinated staff should pay for their weekly COVID-19 tests.

Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investment and aviation, said that while the Government has not made vaccinations mandatory, the issue of testing - and who should pay for it - remained an open question. He indicated, though, that the Davis administrations planned roll-out of free COVID testing might provide an answer.

It is a question that we have begun to talk with all of the properties, Mr Cooper said.The Government of the Bahamas has started a pilot programme in terms of testing in some of the islands of The Bahamas.

Were speaking with the hotel unions, and we hope to be able to advance that programme even further. Suffice to say, were talking with the employers. Were talking with the unions and were moving in the right direction.

I started to talk about vaccinations because we believe that vaccination uptake is the right way to go. Were encouraging all of our citizens to vaccinate. Its not mandatory, but we are encouraging them to do so, he continued.

Its good for our health, and its good for the economy. And research shows the tourists like to go to destinations where theres a high vaccination uptake. So its good for tourism. Its good for the economy, and its good for our health.

Mr Coopers comments came one day after Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Associations (BHTA) president, issued a clarion call for The Bahamas to eliminate legal stipulations that mandate employers must pay for their workers COVID-19 testing.

He used the Accountants Week seminars to challenge both the Government and trade unions to at least work with the private sector on reforming the Health and Safety at Work Acts section nine, which includes language that blocks employers from requiring their employees to pay towards any element of workplace safety.

Graeme Davis, Baha Mars president, yesterday doubled down on what Mr Sands said, adding that he wants employees certainly paying for testing if they are unvaccinated.

He said: We want to encourage associates to work in a safe environment and be vaccinated where they can, unless theres underlying medical conditions. We believe, you know, that that creates a safe work environment for them.

Read the original:

Gov't in talks over who pays for COVID testing - Bahamas Tribune