Thumbs up to Paragon Base

After nine days in quarantine at the Barbados Defence Force’s Paragon Base, Marcia Marshall only has good reviews across the board.

“My experience was really fantastic; it was beyond what I expected,” the retiree expressed to The Barbados Advocate about her recent stay.

She had no regrets, describing the environment as “comfortable and clean”; the staff as “pleasant and efficient”; and the three-square meals a day as “unbelievable”.

Marshall returned to Barbados from Canada on January 9, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. While uncertain about what to expect on arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport, she however was certain that her days in mandatory quarantine would be

spent at a government facility.

“I really didn’t know anything about the facilities at Paragon and St. Lucy – I only heard people speak about them. And my husband and children kept asking if I was sure I wanted to stay there and I told them I am just going to do this… I like to find things out for myself.”

Recalling the arrival process at the airport as being straight-forward, Marshall said she filled out the relevant forms and indicated her desire to quarantine at a government facility. However, she was told that the facilities were full.

“I said to the lady that I am just going to sit here and wait until there is a vacancy. I said that Mr. Bostic said that he has a plan A, B and C so I need to fit into one of those. And I continued to wait,” she told The Barbados Advocate.

“But about 30 minutes later the lady returned explaining that she was awaiting an update from the facilities. She then handed me my form which had written on it St. Lucy District Hospital, so I prepared myself for the long drive.

“I boarded the bus with other ladies and we each were given a sub-sandwich and thinking that I was on my way to St. Lucy, I decided to hold it for later. But the driver went in the direction behind the airport, and we were told to disembark there at Paragon.”

Greeted by a nurse, Marshall said they were escorted to a dorm outfitted with about 20 well-spaced, neatly made beds; a washroom and kitchenette stocked with coffee, tea, juices, and cases of water.

“I was really taken aback.”

A typical day at Paragon

“The lovely thing about Paragon is that it’s such a large property… So, on mornings I would have my walk and then shower and then have breakfast,” she said.

Meals provided at the BDF’s Christ Church base, according to Marshall were “well thought out, well balanced, and very tasty”.

“Most mornings it was something different – bacon, eggs, sausages, bake beans… Lunch and dinner were also full meals – it was always a nice serving. And the meals were prepared according to if you had any allergies, or vegetarian,” she explained.

Marshall went on to elaborate that as the days went by, she never once second-guessed her decision. In fact, she couldn’t have imagined being restricted to a hotel room for such a long time.

“I think I would be climbing the walls if I was just in a room and couldn’t go out. I love the outdoors; I’m a guider, I’m used to camping… And the breeze alone was just absolutely heavenly.

“I would say to Bajans coming home and even visitors to check out the facility for yourself – don’t go by hear-say,” she urged, further explaining, “If you had to pay for a hotel room, and then to buy meals, there is no way that you would be buying three full balanced meals a day.

And I can also remember a couple folks who joined us at the facility after they couldn’t afford to stay at their hotel any longer – and they were greatly appreciative.”

Her Second Test

Having received a negative test before arriving on island, Marshall’s second test was administered on day two.

However, due to the backlog of COVID-19 PCR tests at testing facilities, this impacted the return of the results in the promised 24 to 48 hours.

Not deterred, Marshall said, “It was just a matter of re-adjusting your mind and just telling yourself enjoy the stay. But I chose to return home at that time because flights were still available, and I wanted to be here for my husband’s birthday.”

This wasn’t the case however with a few disgruntled Barbadians and visitors whose frustrations mounted waiting for word on their COVID-19 status, some in quarantine for over ten days.

“They had to get Mr. Hart and the Police… these persons were just speaking their minds and were ready to go. And I guess if they didn’t do that persons like myself probably would have ended up staying much longer as well.”

Marshall believes Barbados is a step ahead of some big nations with its handling of the pandemic.

She also said that she will be forever grateful to the men and women on the frontline, “I really want to salute the BDF, the nurses, but special thanks to Nurses Springer, Lashley and Layne as well as the ancillary staff – everyone working together, beyond the call of duty to make sure our stay was comfortable.”

Furthermore, she expressed, “We have a lot to be grateful and thankful for. I think we need to stop the complaining. Let us continue to pray for our leaders, and our nation and thank God for all those who are doing their part to help with this fight of COVID-19.”