A retired British couple has recounted their terrifying experience after being arrested and detained in a Barbados prison over a minor disagreement with a car hire company. The pair, in their 70s, described the conditions as "horrific" and "degrading."
What Happened?
The couple, who had been enjoying a holiday on the Caribbean island, found themselves in handcuffs after a dispute arose over damage to a hired vehicle. Despite insisting they had insurance coverage, they were taken into custody and held for several hours in a crowded cell.
Shocking Prison Conditions
The elderly pair detailed appalling conditions, including overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and being forced to sleep on concrete floors. "We were treated like criminals," one of them later told reporters. "It was humiliating and terrifying."
Diplomatic Intervention
After intervention from the British High Commission, the couple was eventually released. However, the traumatic experience has left them shaken and questioning whether they'll ever return to Barbados.
Travel Industry Response
The incident has raised serious concerns about how foreign visitors are treated in Barbados. Travel experts are warning tourists to thoroughly understand their rights and insurance coverage when hiring vehicles abroad.
