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‘I am very encouraged’- Premier on public’s response to COVID-19 measures

- said ‘it’s a very tough time for any leader anywhere in the world’
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), has said he is encouraged by the response to the Virgin Islands public to the COVID-19 measures put in place. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was a special call in guest on ‘Motion to Adjourn’, a radio show in Bermuda aired on April 30, 2020 on Power 94.9 FM and CBN 90.9 FM. Photo: Team of Reporters
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was a special call in guest on ‘Motion to Adjourn’, a radio show in Bermuda aired on April 30, 2020 on Power 94.9 FM and CBN 90.9 FM. Photo: Team of Reporters
‘Most persons now are wearing mask, most persons are complying. I am very encouraged by persons in general, for the majority, has adapted to what needs to be done to balance our rebooting of our economy with making sure we stay safe,’ said Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on April 30, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
‘Most persons now are wearing mask, most persons are complying. I am very encouraged by persons in general, for the majority, has adapted to what needs to be done to balance our rebooting of our economy with making sure we stay safe,’ said Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on April 30, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
HAMILTON, Bermuda- Noting there has been a general acceptance by the public of the decisions made by Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), has said he is “encouraged”, adding that it is a tough time for leaders anywhere the world.

Hon Fahie was speaking as a special call in guest on ‘Motion to Adjourn’, a radio show in Bermuda aired on April 30, 2020 on Power 94.9 FM and CBN 90.9 FM.

‘A very tough time’

According to the Premier, everywhere in the world there will always be some who will hold an alternative view to decisions made by Government.

“It’s a very tough time for any leader anywhere in the world because you make certain decisions, some will like, some wouldn’t but we try to make ours based on a principle, information, your gut feeling and for me after you done pray, and as much guidance as you can get from others, but for sure guidance from God.”

Known to be a deeply religious leader who is never hesitant or ashamed to profess his faith, Premier Fahie said the measures taken in the VI have ensured a high rate of protection of its people.

The VI has only recorded 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“I always tell them to God be the glory for that because we can only do certain things but no one knows what will happen with COVID-19 because no one has a playbook for COVID-19.”

“Most persons are complying”

He said he was heartened by the adaptability of the Virgin Islands people.

“But the people have a general sense of appreciation. They know what we are trying to accomplish…

“Most persons now are wearing masks, most persons are complying. I am very encouraged by persons in general, for the majority, has adapted to what needs to be done to balance our rebooting of our economy with making sure we stay safe.

The Leader of Government Business also expressed appreciation to the business sector, which he said had to comply with stringent health and safety measures before being allowed to operate since the curfew was partially lifted on Monday, April 27, 2020.

“The businesses also feel a pinch, all around the world, but I have to thank the [VI] businesses because they had to do a lot of adjustments in the first instance.”

‘Stay in prayer’ Bermuda

Asked what advice he would you give to Bermuda during this pandemic,” Premier Fahie said: “Stay in prayer as there is nothing impossible for God, but also prayer with works cannot make it, so continue to do what is necessary to save lives.”

Honourable Fahie also said it was important to prioritise safety.

“If you are not alive you can’t spend the money and if you want to spend the money and ignore your safety then you will spend the money but be dead. I have never seen an economy rebooted from a dead person.”

The Premier emphasised that safety is first but there is a delicate balance because financing is also needed for the economy to get moving.

“I never get involved in advising Governments in other countries, I just want to support them because being a leader right now is a difficult task,” Premier Fahie added.

14 Responses to “‘I am very encouraged’- Premier on public’s response to COVID-19 measures”

  • Common Sense (01/05/2020, 12:01) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    How many people die a day in America? Find that statistic and compare it to what's goin on now. Figure the difference.
    • At Common Sense (01/05/2020, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Ok.. Great..Our percentage is much better.....Way better in every positive way.... We are in a better position to open up...We need to do that
  • New World Order (01/05/2020, 12:01) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
    Make sure you wear your new world order masks people
    • Soon...Very Soon!!! (01/05/2020, 13:28) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      This will soon be over... Time to focus on building our country.. our economy..
      • @Soon (01/05/2020, 17:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        This is the new norm, get use to it
        • agreed (03/05/2020, 01:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          The world we
          Knew died ppl not realizing that
          The devil imitates God.

          This is the new world new norm Until Jesus returns to put an end to Lucifer and his followers and put them in a lake of fire.

          They already talking bout November second wave and new strain of this covid 19 that will be more deadly just in time for the bill gates vaccine with chip as for centuries we know when we were vaccinated even b4 computers but all of a sudden we must be chipped to know if we had d virus and or was vaccinated for it.
          F$&@ Bill and his chip vaccine.

          He started with Microsoft then making virus forcing u to buy antivirus software
          He stop and study why not make a virus for humans and force antivirus vaccine
  • legal team (01/05/2020, 12:44) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    lead from the front mr premier.the people are with you.
    The former premier was hiding from the people.
    we vote them out and put you their for good reasons
    • Citizen Abroad (01/05/2020, 13:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whats going on with the upcoming Hurricane season? Have my property home need to come home to secure..
  • Optimism... (01/05/2020, 13:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The optimism.is impressive...Getting closer to full opening up... Thats the newswe we want to hear... Optimism with forward movements...
  • Do the maths (01/05/2020, 13:34) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    18 bodies on the morgue and of the 18 only one (1) died from the covid-19
  • good 2 great (01/05/2020, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    1000 jobs will be lost in 1000 days
  • guy hill (01/05/2020, 14:17) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    We the people[Local & Foreign] have to protect the BVI by any means necessary for the greater good. Everyone for God in heaven sake, please do your positive best part in this endeavour. Be Brave.
  • @Do the maths (01/05/2020, 15:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I did it. Had these measures put in place to prevent the further spread of COVID 19 within the territory it could have been " 18 dead bodies on the morgue 17 died from COVID 19"
  • My Take (01/05/2020, 19:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man is a true leader that is fearless.


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