Browne Defends Ebola Precautions, Warns Single Case Could Harm Tourism

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Antigua and Barbuda’s cautious approach to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, warning that even a single case of the disease in the country could have severe consequences for the tourism industry.

Speaking on his weekly Browne and Browne radio programme, Browne described the outbreak as one of the worst Ebola outbreaks in recent years and said the government’s response was driven by the need to protect public health and the economy.

“The issue about the spread of Ebola, one single Ebola case in Antigua wipes out our tourism industry,” Browne said.

He dismissed criticism of the government’s decision not to relax restrictions related to direct flights from Africa, noting that while there are no reported Ebola cases in Nigeria, authorities remain concerned about the possibility of the disease spreading beyond affected countries.

“We accept there is no Ebola in Nigeria at this time,” Browne said, adding that the government nevertheless recognizes the risk of international transmission.

The prime minister said Antigua and Barbuda lacks the infrastructure needed to manage Ebola patients and argued that heightened vigilance is necessary.

“We don’t have infrastructure to care for anyone with Ebola and we just have to be super cautious now,” he said.

Browne also linked the issue to visa policies and travel arrangements involving Air Peace, the Nigerian airline that recently began service to the Caribbean. He said the government had been asked to relax visa requirements but declined to do so, citing concerns about both public health and previous migration challenges.

According to Browne, some travelers have chosen to transit through Barbados, which does not require visas for certain travelers, rather than apply for entry into Antigua and Barbuda.

He said the government would continue to balance efforts to expand air connectivity with measures designed to protect the country’s borders.

“The greater the volumes of people who come here, the greater the possibility to spread,” Browne said.

The government has already announced additional screening and travel measures linked to the Ebola outbreak, including enhanced monitoring of travelers and restrictions on persons who have recently visited affected regions.