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'It hurts my heart' to take unfavourable measures - Premier Fahie

- says Gov't trying its best to prevent deadly COVID-19 virus from reaching VI's shores
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andre A. Fahie (R1) says his administration must do what has to be done to protect to people of the Virgin Islands (VI) from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and this will include making unfordable decisions in the interest of public safety. Photo: Facebook/GIS
On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the government through a cabined endorsed decision closed all air and seaports to inbound passengers at 11:59 p.m, affecting both nationals and non-nationals looking to enter the territory. Photo:VINO/File
On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the government through a cabined endorsed decision closed all air and seaports to inbound passengers at 11:59 p.m, affecting both nationals and non-nationals looking to enter the territory. Photo:VINO/File
 Hon Andrew A. Fahie noted that eventually if a case reaches the VI, the territory should find comfort in knowing that the plans are there and the facilities are available to cope with it as much as possible. Photo: Facebook
Hon Andrew A. Fahie noted that eventually if a case reaches the VI, the territory should find comfort in knowing that the plans are there and the facilities are available to cope with it as much as possible. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says his administration must do what is necessary to protect the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and this will include making unfavourable decisions.

The Premier, along with Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), was at the time speaking at the latest in a series of weekly COVID-19 press conferences, last evening, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in the boardroom of the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA).

“I want to say that I know a lot of the measures that have been taken are ones that have not been met with favour by everyone and it hurts my heart sometimes to make some of them because we know that businesses will be affected, but that’s not unique to us,” Premier Fahie said. 

Tough decisions being made 

He continued, “But we are trying our best to be preventative, we are trying our best to make sure that we keep the coronavirus out from our shores,” he said.

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the government through a cabined endorsed decision closed all air and seaports to inbound passengers at 11:59 pm, affecting both nationals and non-nationals looking to enter the Territory.

This move has since sparked a number of concerns since there are a number of Virgin Islanders, Belongers and other residents who are abroad and unable to return to the Territory.

Following questions from the media about the decision to lock people out the Territory, the Premier said it was not an easy one but he understands the plight, since he too had to make the decision to lock his children out the Territory and leave them in a COVID-19 zone, in the interest of public safety.

Hon Fahie noted; however, that if a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the VI, the Territory should find comfort in knowing that the plans are there and the facilities are in place to cope with it as much as possible.

No country has all the resources - Hon Fahie 

“But the truth be told, there exists no country no territory, that will have all the resources to handle a full territory or countrywide outbreak. So the key here is prevention and the key here is, if a case is confirmed, to ensure that is contained so it doesn't spread,” he said.

The Premer reiterated that all businesses, including religious organisations must operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm until Friday, April 17, 2020, as stipulated by Cabinet in accordance with section 15 of the Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194).

He said measures will also be put in place for persons who ignore the stipulations–thus endangering others­–to be dealt with accordingly; however, he noted that the majority of the population are adhering to the government-imposed restrictions.

17 Responses to “'It hurts my heart' to take unfavourable measures - Premier Fahie”

  • Need answers (25/03/2020, 13:03) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    If all boarders are lock down how is it that a ferry was allowed to bring in a passenger that was denied by two other ferry company yesterday and this person was allowed to go to Virgin Gorda. This is not protecting our Islands if the rules are broken for some. Was this gentleman properly tested and quarantined as he should have been? or was he just told to say inside for 14days?
  • Deception (25/03/2020, 13:04) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep pushing your NWO Agenda ! I’ve been prepped and ready for years ! Some of y’all gonna cry when you realize that you had been deceived from all these governments all across the world...

    P.S if your woke just remember it was suppose to go like this, everything in the great book has to unfold and this deception for world control is part of it ! Peace and be safe it’s gonna be a rough ride
    • @Deception (25/03/2020, 13:36) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      How do we prep ?
      I know these things will
      N must come to pass as mentioned numerous times in the Bible
      • Prepping (25/03/2020, 14:03) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
        You need seeds, good soil for seed growth, a water filtering system this can also be done naturally, you need ways to start a fire, I have this thing called a uberleben fire starter you can start a fire over a 1000 times with just one of them, you’ll need to know how to get water in dire situations, if you make a hole to the bottom of the tree you can get naturally filtered water from the trees during the early mornings, you can buy a rocket stove so that you can cook with no gas just wood... That should be a good foundation for you to start and do not take any vaccines
  • Eagle Eye (25/03/2020, 13:09) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    And what is the reason for the 8pm curfew when thousands roam the day. Still awaits a sensible answer.
    • @ eagle eye (25/03/2020, 16:40) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Excellent question but I bet our government doesn’t even know why
    • @Eagle Eye (27/03/2020, 02:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Perhaps we should be in a higher level of alert and want to be safe from the virus adults during the day so we remember to do the necessary, although our alertness can dip during the day. And the social gatherings usually happen from late afternoons. From work now you’ll have no time to gather and for those in the drinking bars no extended time to gather mix and drink. With God’s help let’s Save our country!
    • @Eagle Eye (28/03/2020, 01:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I don't know if I am correct, but I truly believe the curfew is because of the terrible robberies at gun point we have been having. I know about at least three of them. Not sure if the Coronavirus was the reason. I believe this Government loved or enjoyed being in denial. Professionals were allowed to travel wherever and back without anyone asking them where they were coming from and encouraging quarantine. But then again, maybe there are a lot of folks under self quarantine and they head into the epicenter, Road Town if they felt like it and went merrily off to work or they self quarantine in a house full of roommates. Either way we are in big trouble because 19 beds won't help us.
  • next step (25/03/2020, 13:12) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    Next step is to find a reason to implement tough laws and restrictions, so don’t be surprised if they say we have a case down here, more fear equals more control... these doctors can tell you anything and you’ll believe them so if they say you got the Covid-19 guess what you ain’t in a white suit so you’ll believe them... Theres cases with people having the flu or dying from old age and their being labeled to have had the cOrOnAvIrUs! Society is so dumb down they don’t thinkkk !
  • Mr. Premier (25/03/2020, 13:21) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    If anyone is not in favor of the decisions and calls you had to make, I would say that is the mind set of selfishness and not caring about anyone but themselves. At the end of the day, you are the one that have to make the executive decision and call. I am in favor of the decisions and calls that you had to do. I am standing behind you 100% Mr.Premier. The ones who is not in favor and calling themselves mad about it, they will thank you later. Until then, continue doing the great job that you are doing.
  • VG (25/03/2020, 13:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope people realise that self quarenteen means that no one is to come in contact with you or your living space. Children, house workers, friends ect. If they come in contact then go home or out and about live unrestricted and then you find out you have the virus the whole island could possibly have been infected at this time. Noone should be allowed in at this point.
  • COVID-19 Negative (25/03/2020, 14:25) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply

    First of all. You, Mr. Hon. Andrew Fahie, should’ve closed the ports from time there were 2 cases in the USVI and down island 2 WEEKS ago. whether or not this virus has touched our shores, let’s not forget the USVI and the other Easter Caribbean islands are our neighbors. If anything were to happen, we would more than likely get involved (common sense).

    Secondly, you should’ve already started fore planed on taking measures from time that this VIRUS started contaminating other regions. Eg. Temporarily close the cruise Pierre, where passengers from abroad are coming down here to visit our naturally beautiful paradise.

    I suggest that we extend the suspension of ports and declare an island wide quarantine, for the sake of the safety of us. If you feel like my suggestion is stupid, feel free to think so. I hope ahu have a plan on preventing this virus from consuming the island. Because I am not going to work after getting released from the hospital after thinking that I got the virus when it was just a flu, even if it drive me to the extent of getting fired. 

    Generally speaking now.
    We had 3 mistaken cases of Corona virus from the beginning. Some of us as BVIslanders are taking this for a joke. I hope ahu keep that energy up when this virus became serious to the extent where 2/3 of our population became contaminated.

    I rest my case. Ahu decide for yourself yuh hear. Iss every man for themself.

    Take care BVI.

  • Norris Turnbull (25/03/2020, 18:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Selfish people. Know they were exposed to the virus but said nothing on arrival in the virgin Islands. Probably exposed immigration and customs, taxi men who the hell knows.
  • facts (26/03/2020, 06:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fahie is doing good for the bvi
  • E. Leonard (26/03/2020, 06:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Premier Fahie, the number one job of government is to protect life. Every leader except may be dictators and autocrats feels bad about making tough decisions. Decisions are easy on a bright sunny day but they are difficult during a storm, a war. The tough decisions being made about the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), though an inconvenience, are necessary to save lives and protect the territory. There is neither a cure nor a vaccine for the disease so every reasonable and sensible effort must be taken to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the virus. Social distancing, sheltering in place, shutting down countries, states, cities are slowing the spread of the virus. Another important reason for tough action is to avoid overwhelming the hospital. Overwhelming the hospital creates a nightmarish situation.
  • @E. Leonard (28/03/2020, 01:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope you are right and shutting down everything for a week works at this point. Personally I believe the pig is already out of the bag. And shutting everything down certainly didn't work for Italy because the people were already sick. But, hey, we got to try something. God is with us.


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