Has anybody read this?....

[Franco]

I feel so sorry for myself as this is where I am staying for 7 nigths on Sept. I hope they found the causes and apply a solution to it.

Here is the article:
The Rex Turtle Beach Hotel was thrown into the spotlight following reports that 14 of its guests became ill and had to undergo medical treatment last week Saturday.........

http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=1001025

Should I cancel my holiday?

Thanks.

[Carla C]

Hi Franco,
Welcome to MyTobago! (the best site of its kind that will ever exist )

ummmm.... If I were you.....hmmm let's see...
I'd be so alarmed right now! don't mean to be a pessimist, but can you imagine being stuck- - in the wc for the duration of your trip?!

My advice? Be comfortable this vacation - and a large part of comfort is being at ease with one's surroundings. The fact that you're in two minds about it should be enough. Do hurry up and book somewhere else! But DO NOT cancel your holiday!!!!!!!!!
-one isolated incedent at the Rex isnt reason enough to completely deprive youself of the heaven that is Tobago....

You can always do some private investigation of you own, once in Tobago - ask around- and if at that time you feel comfortable with Rex, then by all means... book a room there for the next time you visit.

Best of luck,
Carla

[Colin Smith]

Franco

Don't stress over this incident! You can get ill anywhere in the world through no fault of any hotel or individual. I'm not saying that the Rex is, or is not, at fault, but nature sometimes takes a hand despite the best laid plans... Heavy rain can cause drains and sewage to occasionally "leak" into potable water sources on the island (I was told this last week by a Tobagonian whilst I was on holiday) leading to unfortunate outbreaks of illness. My girlfriend became ill midweek last week with symptoms of gastro-enteritis and was bed-bound for 24 hours. We were staying not that far away from the Rex at Le Grand Courlan (full review of our week long holiday to follow soon on Le Grand Courlan accommodation forum) and I was made aware of the Rex incident that same day whilst chatting to the two lady vendors on the beach just behind our hotel. They dished the dirt on some other hotels in the area including incidents at Le Grand and The Grafton last year. Some of the guests at the Rex apparently transferred down the road to the Grafton and Le Grand Courlan last week.
There is, of course, no excuse for sloppiness when it comes to hygiene but occasional lapses and "acts of nature" will always occur, especially in tropical climes and it is one of those things that you have to take into account if wanting a holiday in such places.

We both thought LGC was very good despite a slightly eventful week. I would, and definitely hope to, go back there soon.

Colin

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Franco

I know how alarming such reports can be, but my best advice is to stay cool. I've had plenty of dirt dished out to me while doing my research, but I can honestly say that nobody has ever warned me about conditions at the RTB. These things happen from time to time, particularly in the tropics. It may or may not have been connected with the food - remember, it is quite possible that it could have been a viral infection brought in by some guest. Believe you me, Dr Melville, the Country Medical Officer, doesn't pull punches. I remember a previous case where he voiced his opinion very strongly. He would be the first to proclaim it if he felt that the hotel were to blame. And, if tests prove that the hotel was to blame, it will be the 'safest' place to eat on the island by the time you go there in September. These incidents have a funny way of making establishments reassess their controls and systems and, in a perverse way, actually do a lot of good.

[Franco]

Thank you very much for your help. This site is just great.

I think that in that case some common rules applies if you are self cathering or are dining in a restaurant as:

Wash your hands! Wash them before, during and after food preparation. Use soap and warm water and wash for 20 seconds. Wash after touching raw meat, fish or poultry. Wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom. Washing is the most important thing you can do to prevent food poisoning.

Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, utensils and anything else that was used to prepare food. ( self catherine )

Use a diluted bleach solution to clean cutting boards and countertops after food preparation.

To clean kitchen sponges and dishcloths, rinse them in water, squeeze out the excess water and microwave at full power for 60 seconds. Be careful in removing hot items from microwave so you don't burn yourself.

After handling raw meat, fish or poultry, do not reuse the same utensil or plate. Bacteria from the raw juices will contaminate other food.

Do not use a sponge or dishcloth to clean surfaces that have touched raw meat, fish or poultry. Use soap, water and a disposable paper towel.

Wash all fruits and vegetables well before eating.

Cook all food thoroughly.

Taste food only when it is thoroughly cooked. Use a clean spoon each time.

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. If food is allowed to remain at room temperature for two hours or longer, bacteria can multiply and cause food poisoning.