Couple experiences two very different Bermuda welcomes

Two visiting American doctors who came to Bermuda to share their expertise witnessed two very different sides to the island recently.

Gary and Catherine Jones’s arrival was spoiled when they were ushered into a side room and quizzed for nearly two hours about the purpose of their trip and how much they were getting paid.

But their faith in the island’s welcoming reputation was restored by a kind taxi driver, who offered them homemade fishcakes on the day before Easter Friday, as well as the friendliness of their hosts.

The couple, who are both leading authorities in pulmonary and critical care illnesses, travelled to Bermuda to give a series of lectures and workshops for the Bermuda Hospitals Board and local charity Open Airways.

They arrived on the island from Dallas on April 14, but spent their first few hours in the country being interrogated in an interview room.

Mr Jones said: “Entry into the country was delayed for some hours due to Department of Immigration officials misinterpreting current law governing guest lecturers. 

“We were in the interview room with Immigration at the airport for roughly one and a half hours.

“Casey had her paperwork from Open Airways authorizing her visit as a guest lecturer for the charity, and I also had my paperwork from the Bermuda Hospitals Board, authorizing my visit, stating that I was providing lectures to hospital personnel, and even listing the topics/dates/times of the lectures.

“We were asked if we were being paid for the trip.”

Eventually the couple were given authorization to stay in Bermuda for 24 hours and leave the airport.

They then had to return, with their hosts, to the Immigration Department for most of the next morning.

The charity and the BHB also had to pay a fee that they did not know was applicable because new rules had come into force just days earlier.

It was only then that the doctors were given permission to remain for the five-day trip.

Mr Jones told the Sun: “Once past this seemingly unnecessary obstacle, our visit was simply delightful. 

“Open Airways and the Bermuda Hospitals Board could not have been more helpful and accommodating. 

“The nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and all of the medical personnel that we met were clearly motivated, enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable.”

He added: “The extraordinary hospitality that we received is best illustrated by two occurrences.

First, the homemade fishcake I was unexpectedly given by Mr Michael Tuzo of Tuzo’s Taxi Service, who was kind enough to drive me to all of my lectures, providing wonderful insights about the island along the way.

“Second, the warm treatment we received from Open Airways and the very special Good Friday we spent at Horseshoe Bay enjoying the kites and beautiful beaches.

“Bermuda is truly one of the most special places on earth, blessed with spectacular scenery, beautiful architecture and, most of all, a warm and generous people.  We hope to return again.”