Plans to house SIDS delegates on cruise ships aborted; critics say alternative arrangements sound like confusion

Critics are saying, “I told you so!” in response to the Government’s
announcement that its plans to accommodate delegates to the SIDS
4 conference on board a cruise ship have been aborted.

Several business people tell REAL News they are “not in the least
surprised,” since such plans would have had to be concreted at least
a year ago and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez was “late out of
the gate.”

Hence, since more rooms are required, smaller accommodations –
such as Airbnb’s, private homes, and apartments – may now be able
to benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the conference.

Weeks ago, the Cabinet decided that at least two cruise ships would
be required to make up the room stock for the visiting delegations.
But on Wednesday, March 13, the Cabinet Notes report, the
Executive undertook an examination of the accommodation needs.
Apparently, it was only then that the Administration learned the cost
of a cruise ship to house hundreds of delegates is prohibitive.

Therefore, the Notes say, “the expert who has been working on an
alternative approach reported that Airbnb’s, houses and apartments
have been categorized A, B, C.”

Those classified as A-level will cost up to US$280 daily; B-level up to
US$250 daily; and C-level up to US$200 daily.

Meanwhile, arrangements are to be made with certified taxis located
in proximity to the places of accommodation for transportation to
and from the conference.

The critics say they are hoping the country will not be embarrassed,
but, “so far, these plans sound like confusion.”