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24-hr curfew: No visits to beaches, roadside garbage bins or extended dog walks

- Governor Jaspert says police will be patrolling & have powers to make arrests
The 24-hour curfew from 8:00pm on Friday, March 27, 2020 will extend to the beaches and any other activities in or on the water. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert this evening, March 26, 2020 made an appeal, during a live update on the Government Facebook, page for the public to strictly adhere to the curfew being put in place to curtail the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Right is Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL). Photo: Facebook.
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert this evening, March 26, 2020 made an appeal, during a live update on the Government Facebook, page for the public to strictly adhere to the curfew being put in place to curtail the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Right is Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL). Photo: Facebook.
The 24-hour curfew from 8:00pm on Friday March 27 to 6:00am Thursday April 2, 2020 will mean, among other things, no travelling to the nearest garbage roadside collection and no extended dog walks. Photo: VINO/File
The 24-hour curfew from 8:00pm on Friday March 27 to 6:00am Thursday April 2, 2020 will mean, among other things, no travelling to the nearest garbage roadside collection and no extended dog walks. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- “Simply put, unless you are classified as an essential worker under the Curfew Act you will be required to remain at home from 8:00pm tonight until 6:00am tomorrow morning, and then from 8:00pm tomorrow, Friday evening, to stay at home, I repeat, stay at home, continuously until 6:00am on Thursday, 2nd of April.”

“I repeat again, you will be required to stay at home.”

These were the words of Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert this evening, March 26, 2020 as he made an appeal during a live update on the Government Facebook page for the public to strictly adhere to the curfew put in place to curtail the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Virgin Islands announced two confirmed cases of the virus on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

‘Think of it as a daytime and night-time curfew’

According to Governor Jaspert, the curfew from 8:00pm on Friday to 6:00am on April 2, 2020 is in effect a shutdown of the Territory and “where we are asking people to stay at home. Shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies will not be opened. Businesses will not be open. Support will be available to those who need it.”

“Friday therefore would be the last normal day, in terms of being able to go out. That doesn’t mean, I have said before, that you gather in big groups, that you ignore the advice being given about social distancing, practicing safe distancing, practicing safe hygiene.”

The Governor admonished that persons are expected to remain in their homes with their family or those living under the same roof as them.

“Think of it as a daytime and night-time curfew…This means no travelling to the nearest garbage roadside collection, no extended dog walks. It also means that the curfew extends to the beaches and any other activities in or on the water.”

He further said police will be patrolling and will enforce the curfew “and they do have powers to arrest for breach of the curfew if necessary.”

‘Unprecedented situation requires unprecedented actions’

Governor Jaspert continued that the Virgin Islands is faced with an unprecedented situation and requires unprecedented actions to protect public health and to save lives.

He added that Cabinet is aware the restrictions will create hardships for businesses and employees and “for all of us as individuals but they are necessary and we do not undertake them lightly.”

He said the measure being taken will significantly reduce the chance of the virus spreading further as the best way is to distance oneself from each other.

“I know many of you have questions over the legalities of these measures. They are being taken under the Curfew Act 2017 and in line with our constitution. The specific Curfew Order will be amended slightly to learn from earlier experiences, to include both essential and a new category of critical workers, such as those critical to maintaining areas such as the supply chain of key food and fuel services, service emergencies and vets.”

51 Responses to “24-hr curfew: No visits to beaches, roadside garbage bins or extended dog walks”

  • 1284 (26/03/2020, 21:53) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    what about the men with the horses in stable lock up..can they go and feed them..just asking my bio is a horse man?????
    • @1284 (26/03/2020, 22:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea daddeh go feed them horse mehson big race coming on Sunday !
      • Read This Please! (27/03/2020, 11:21) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
        The level of ignorance I am seeing on this blog is amazing. People are worried about garbage rather about the well being of their families and neighbours.

        The government isn't asking you to climb a mountain, or dig a ditch. It is asking you to STAY HOME. Stay home to save lives and keep our community protected. Why is this such a challange?

        What will it take for you people to realise how serious this is? The death of your mother, your sister, your child?

        Observe the curfew. The temporary discomfort is worth preserving our loved ones.

    • @1284 (27/03/2020, 01:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The animal shelter also....
    • VIRGIN ISLANDS IMPOSITION OF A CURFEW (NO.2) ORDER, 2020 (27/03/2020, 09:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      SCHEDULE

      (a) persons employed in the essential services as defined in section 3 of the Labour Code, 2010, if they are on duty;
      (b) officers of private security service providers as defined in section 2 of the Private Security Industry Act, 2007, if they are on duty;
      (c) customs and immigration officers, if they are on duty;
      (d) public and private sector waste management services;
      (e) fuel distribution and delivery services;
      (f) public and private sector social care providers;
      (g) Courts (Senior Magistrate and Coroner);
      (h) mortuary services;
      (i) humanitarian support;
      (j) emergency call handlers;
      (k) freight, courier and cargo distribution;
      (l) Apostille and related statutory services;
      (m) laundry services;
      (n) media and broadcast providers;
      (o) farming, agriculture, fisheries and veterinary service;
      (p) transportation services (providing transportation for essential and critical operations);
      (q) supermarkets and restaurants (providing services to and for essential and critical operations); and
      (r) health and emergency operations centre.
  • HAHA (26/03/2020, 22:14) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    This is ridiculous, you telling me if the garbage is stinking you have to keep it in your house for 6 days? Well you have to lock me up because I prefer to throw it in the dump than to throw it in the bushes outside my house.
    • Binocs (27/03/2020, 09:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is exactly what i fear i going to occur they will be thrown in the hillsides (thus......)
  • Martial Law (26/03/2020, 22:17) Like (23) Dislike (20) Reply
    Hope they push the other agendas, so everyone can get forcefully vaccinated too ! So please don’t let the school kids back into the schools until they get vaccinated ! They need the shot so that we all can be safe ! Since everyone is so willing to let their freedom get striped from them
    • @Martial Law (27/03/2020, 06:22) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Vaccination is a choice that many are not aware of and yes in the BVI (we just don't know). Ask a nurse who is willing to admit it. I did.
  • rock man (26/03/2020, 22:24) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    HORSE MAN much feed them horses or else they can be lock up for animal cruelty
  • Chuck (26/03/2020, 23:12) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    What are you doing about the massive number of yacht charterers who leaving for sailing vacations ehemm quarantine on Friday?
  • hoteman (26/03/2020, 23:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great question. this question needs to be answered
  • Kibbe (26/03/2020, 23:31) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    So who is responsible for emptying my garbage? Am I to pile up for a week? Asking for myself.
    • watch (27/03/2020, 18:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Screw you and your garbage you incredible moron. We are trying to save a territory . Stop whinning you pathetic baby
  • Eagle Eye (27/03/2020, 01:04) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Yall following america and ain't doing shit for the residence here.should we tro the garbage on the road.Usvi is giving money and food to their people,this government here never herd of giving back during emergencies.y'all sit in y'all big expensive houses with fat salaries and ain't considering how much people getting hert by 6 days straight curfew when the people is who paying most of y'all bills.when the people wake up they will realize y'all is the minority.
    • @Eagle Eye (27/03/2020, 07:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Oh please.... people been wakin up for centuries and still sleep. There will always be that division of master and slave, ALWAYS.
    • US (27/03/2020, 08:08) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      The people of the USVI will get services because the USVI is part of the United States. The UK is the one responsible for providing your services.
    • Brush (28/03/2020, 10:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Real talking
  • rethink (27/03/2020, 01:12) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    What about those with babies or the elderly with diapers, women with their monthly cycle not to mention regular garbage?
  • Newsflash (27/03/2020, 01:18) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I have to see one more Facebook post talking about 7 day/ 1 week or 6 days lock down I’m going to scream.

    Friday 27 March from 8pm to Thursday 2 April 6am

    Saturday - 1 day
    Sunday - 1 day
    Monday - 1 day
    Tuesday - 1 day
    Wednesday- 1 day
    Thursday - 6am all clear hopefully we’ll be back to living

    That’s FIVE (5) days.
  • my 2 cents (27/03/2020, 01:43) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    I think the rule regarding the roadside bins is a bit unreasonable. Must one keep 6 days of trash at their home?.
  • Santo. (27/03/2020, 02:41) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    I have no money to buy food and water. Will any government agency bring me these essential items during the cerfew?
    • True (27/03/2020, 20:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      but money to be on a device online.....spend your money where you need it
  • NezRez (27/03/2020, 02:42) Like (2) Dislike (18) Reply
    Remember when worldwide last year the airplanes were spraying a white substance in the sky and wouldn't explain what it was? Well here were are folks. They were killing us on purpose and we were breathing this substance in the air. How else would it be worldwide like this?
  • Peace Pipe (27/03/2020, 03:09) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    no trip to my personal Pharmacist WOW !!!
  • Fidel Castro (27/03/2020, 05:13) Like (69) Dislike (7) Reply
    New World Order is here only government systems can function.some happy because they paychecks are sure while many of we will suffer under the mindset that the movements are good for rest us.
    • At Fidel Castro (27/03/2020, 06:13) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      Stop stressing. With this move things will get back normal sooner than expected.. The objective of the government is to make these tough decisions so things can return to normal quickly.
    • lol (27/03/2020, 08:55) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      You choose your job and profession. So if your cheque is not sure because you are self employed or in a private sector, that's on you.
  • Agree 100%.. (27/03/2020, 06:09) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is the real preventative curfew.....brave, bold, courageou,and bold courageous and right..2 weeks of this 14 days by the 10 of April we be open for business. Almost bck to normal
    ....
  • Garbage (27/03/2020, 06:37) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Garbage stinks fast. Some of us can't take the smell,so please consider this. I don't know if the people making these are comfortable with a stinging house.
  • Disgusted (27/03/2020, 07:26) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why these people here fussing over minutiae? What's the big deal? If you all didn’t see the handwriting on the wall, that the virus was headed here, you all blind.

    You all have to remember that the government is not doing us a favour; they are trying to save our lives! What do you prefer - a few days of inconvenience or few days hooked to a respirator? Come on, man! Be reasonable. Stop the fussing and complaining.

    Personally I think the curfew is too short. It should have been for a minimum of fourteen days.
  • Binocs (27/03/2020, 07:38) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    mehn STOP COMPLAINING..you have life. be grateful that you can actually go through these temporary changes to better yourself and this community versus being 6ft under like many who died from this disease.. you woke up this morning, got food and shelter. many honestly cant say that so be grateful..
    • Binocs (27/03/2020, 09:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      So agreed. I truly feel for the ones who is homeless. Tears in my eyes, I know of someone who is homeless and I felt so bad because he sleeps somewhere in the street. The only thing I could do was take some items from the home and make him a little care package. Tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, some soap, antibacterial wipes and a pack of baby wipes. The homeless is out here on these dirty streets with this virus and they will catch it and spread it. Think about that.
  • LockDown (27/03/2020, 07:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Water more than flour. Sounds like the Government trying to estimate the potential impact of those 2 cases? Tests back for the 9 that were tested yet.
  • lol (27/03/2020, 07:48) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Take whatever food garbage yall have and throw it to the fowls and stray animals. Keep non degradables in the garbage bags as they wont decay and funk up the place. As for those with diapers..... well...... dig a hole or use a drum n set dem sh1t on fire.
  • Here is a tip for garbage (27/03/2020, 07:59) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pour ammonia, bleach or moth balls in garbage bags, and sit the garbage bag outside your home. The above mention will keep the scent down and keep the rodents away.
  • Just saying (27/03/2020, 08:28) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s five days people
    Do your best to make do why are you stressing yourselves out?
    Try to get the bulk of your food waste out today. Get a container to seal those types of waste that have ridiculous odors. When you use canned goods like tuna fish etc. wash out the can instead of leaving it there to rot and smell. This is a part of the way we can help the bvi to get green in the future learning how to self sustain. If you live on your own land bury the vegetable peels and other items that can become compost. The plants around will thank you. Less trash to throw out and helping to make the soil more fruitful. We will be mindful of the things that we use and the things that we throw away, we will stop wasting food. Take it up as a challenge... how can I reduce my trash this week...these are questions we should have been asking long time. Gardening is a great past time... y’all acting like in the next 5 days we will be subjected to post Irma-like conditions people you still have electricity and water for now. Quit complaining. It could be far worse. Read your bible to pass the time and develop a relationship with the Lord for it isn’t too late yet.

    For those of you who hate your houses... I dunno what to tell you. My house may be tiny but I am comfortable in my house and in my quarters and by myself I do consider myself good company... if you are not comfortable with yourself then you are saying that you don’t like yourself or you don’t consider yourself good company. It will be hard for some relationships right now spending 24 hours for 5 days. Coming out of this you will be able to appreciate things more. Don’t get paranoid take things a day at a time. Learn to live with yourself because if you have a hard time living with you then what do you expect for the rest of us... MOVING FORWARD ON A POSITIVE NOTE!!!!
    • To Just Saying (27/03/2020, 10:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Best Post Yet. Also, for those of us who do Spring cleaning, this is a very good time to do so.

      Stop stressing, people. Better to be safe than sorry. This too shall pass.

      Be Blessed!
  • seas (27/03/2020, 09:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Other kinds of diseases can spread from inadequate garbage disposal. We don't need an infestation of large rats around the island like right after the hurricane.
  • True (27/03/2020, 12:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about out In my garden for exercise it on my property and no one is close to me so I should be within my rights sit is my home...?
  • Qwi (27/03/2020, 14:46) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    From these posts you would conclude that the place is inhabited by those who value cleanliness. Garbage all over the place in the best of times. The air now is clean and no new garbage on the roadside not to mention the humankind hangin out like vagrants and vagabonds loitering ,soliciting,littering.
  • Harriet Tubman (27/03/2020, 15:10) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do you not have outdoor space around your home, a yard to clean, minor repairs, and do it yourself projects, indoors clothes to wash, cleaning and sorting, resting, reading, a hobby....
    Slavery would be suitable for some of allyo who are lost if not being driven and toiling for someone else. Sad indeed.
    • Fred Douglass (27/03/2020, 16:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you Harriet T! These set of jokers think a six day curfew will rid us and the coast clear??! We will be in curfew for at least 14 days so get over your damn selves. Some of you all need prayer, go pray and do some soul searching during this quarantine period. Its for your safety and your family/friends or you all are so selfish that you don't understand the reason for this action? Worrying about simple matters when the picture is sooo much bigger and more deadly.
    • @Harriet Tubman (28/03/2020, 02:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agreed but remember that there are people living in apartments with not much outdoor space. Regardless this curfew is needed and me must find ways to cope in our living situations.
  • great (27/03/2020, 20:39) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    As long as I have life, no sickness, food to yam and internet and electricity to watch my Netflix I’m A-OK. Keeping to yourself is good sometimes


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