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‘We can’t keep locking down every time something comes’- Premier Fahie

- refutes claims by Opposition that Gov't has no COVID-19 plans
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has indicated that moving forward in the Coronavirus Pandemic, the territory will not be prioritising 24/7 lockdowns as a response measure, rather, will depend on making sure businesses and organisations adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols. Photo: GIS/Facebook
According to the Premier, moving into Phase two and three of the economic re-opening, authorities will continue to ensure enforcing and adherence of protocols such as social distancing, limit on gatherings etc in every facet of the VI as way to fight the virus. Photo: VINO/File
According to the Premier, moving into Phase two and three of the economic re-opening, authorities will continue to ensure enforcing and adherence of protocols such as social distancing, limit on gatherings etc in every facet of the VI as way to fight the virus. Photo: VINO/File
While the VI opposition led by Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has accused the Government of lacking a solid plan, Premier Fahie said persons peddling statements are being facetious. Photo: VINO/File
While the VI opposition led by Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has accused the Government of lacking a solid plan, Premier Fahie said persons peddling statements are being facetious. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has indicated that moving forward in the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Territory will not be prioritising 24/7 lockdown as a response measure, rather, will depend on making sure businesses and organisations adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols.

The Premier rmade the revelation last Wednesday, September 2, 2020, during an interview with Cathy O. Richards on an episode of JTV’s 'The Big Story'.

Strict adherence to protocols

“One of the things we keep saying from about the second time we had to do a partial lockdown, is that we can’t keep locking down every time something comes. That’s something we knew from then,” Hon Fahie said.

“We have come up with a protocol for businesses, for government, for schools; we won’t want to test all of them one time, but this is a good time, through this bad time, to test them so that we can see if our protocols are working.”

According to the Premier, moving into Phase two and three of the economic re-opening, authorities will continue to ensure enforcing and adherence of protocols such as social distancing and limit on gatherings.

“This is a good test run for us in a way, but I’m asking persons to continue to pray and have faith because there is a little more bump to go before we get the curve smooth out,” the Premier said. 

Gov’t always had plans – Premier Fahie

Meanwhile, Hon Fahie said that contrary to what is being peddled, that the Government does not have a plan, strategic plans existed all throughout the pandemic.

“We had a plan for phase two with the persons coming in, whether work permit etc… we had a plan that was projecting for the first of November dealing with the economy, we didn’t even get to get that out,” he said given the spike in cases.

While the Opposition, led by Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), has accused the Government of lacking a solid plan, Premier Fahie said persons peddling those statements are being facetious.

According to the Leader of Govrnment Business, not only does a plan exist, but it is constantly being adjusted.

33 Responses to “‘We can’t keep locking down every time something comes’- Premier Fahie”

  • Youth (08/09/2020, 12:17) Like (12) Dislike (20) Reply
    I am proud and please with our Premier
    • my 2 cents (08/09/2020, 14:21) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      Should start by 1. making these internet companies provide quality internet to allow persons to be productive remotely. Abolish the NHI rule and push individuals to instead purchase from privatized insurance since I don't think the hospital here has either the capacity or the competence to deal with such a situation where a large number of individuals fall sick.
      • @my 2 cents (08/09/2020, 16:24) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
        Can people making minimum wage in the BVI afford to purchase private health insurance? Can small businesses afford to purchase private health insurance for their employees?
    • .... (08/09/2020, 15:24) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      All talk wireless provide the the plan...not all parents can stay at home and make sure the kids do their online classes. Some households needs both parents income to make it out here
  • facts (08/09/2020, 12:18) Like (20) Dislike (18) Reply
    I would rather have no other Government in power now for a time like now other than the VIP GOVERNMENT.
    • Renault (09/09/2020, 06:30) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      I wouldnt say no other government but certainly not the National Dose of Poison, NDP.
  • Clearly (08/09/2020, 12:19) Like (17) Dislike (15) Reply
    Whether you like Fahie or not you have to admire his fight to always do the best for the people of the Virgin Islands.
    • Yes (08/09/2020, 14:58) Like (12) Dislike (9) Reply
      He need to open the place fully. Finally
      • wow (09/09/2020, 06:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Yea! And the Grave Yards will be so full they will be locked down. If People just take the necessary measures implemented in avoiding the spread of the Virus, nothing wrong in opening up! But you'll crying for open up and are the Ones being Ignorant and Foolish.
  • Nice (08/09/2020, 12:21) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
    This government has all my support. They have made mistakes but their good far out weighs their mistakes.
  • yess (08/09/2020, 12:44) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Speak the truth premier we have to live with it if people wear them mask and do what them have to do it wouldn’t spread
  • facts (08/09/2020, 12:56) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    I know the truth will be told sooner rather than later
  • eye roll (08/09/2020, 13:13) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
    The government made up their mind to not lockdown this place no matter how bad it gets. So,people this is the time you have to look out for yourselves and your family. If those in charge really care for the people and the BVI, they would have done the right thing and secured our borders from the beginning...but instead they waited until the $h!+ hit the fan
  • My girl (08/09/2020, 13:13) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    Premier we with you ignored smurf
  • Finally wake up (08/09/2020, 13:40) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Im so happy to hear the premier say that...ifs time we move forward,,, ... Locking down is not a forward moving plan... iIts like we are just throwing our hands in the Air and surrendering..
  • THANK U (08/09/2020, 13:51) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thank you.... That's a true saying...",God do not give us more than we can bare" , The people are now at the breaking point.... People can't find money for rent, people can't find money for food and bills... This is not a Joke,. Or just talk....it is this serious....
  • CHAK. (08/09/2020, 14:37) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Man, i spent all my little safe thinking that a lock down was coming.
  • wow (08/09/2020, 14:39) Like (39) Dislike (5) Reply
    When Myron said it, he was the worst person for saying it. Now because the Premier finally realize this virus isn’t going anywhere now. He’s being praised, set of hypocrites and blind people in this place. May father God be with us all!
    • True Dat (08/09/2020, 15:02) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      Am with you. The typical bvi people
    • @SMH (08/09/2020, 15:47) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
      We all know the virus isn't going anywhere. Myron wasn't saying anything newsworthy. He's always trying to pop up to stay relevant. I don't vote along party lines, but he is one for sure I don't even want to hear from. He had his time to make significant difference, However, instead of starting the building process of a new start of the art high school, we got a freakin wall . Prior to that, we got an an extra school year that should have been added to the primary level, and one that was sprung on parents. I for one did not appreciate that. Worst of all he's just another bearded MS who is simply a puppet for whoever his behind is so-called business success. He needs a muzzle.
    • Tellin yo (08/09/2020, 15:51) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Setta mumu them is..setta follow fashion
  • wow (08/09/2020, 14:49) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
    Open up the dam place!
    • tretretrete (08/09/2020, 15:09) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      @smh for what key reasons? For you to be productive or for you look on Facebook for the next jam and spend what you don’t have?
  • about time (08/09/2020, 15:03) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yes open it up.
  • Since in May (08/09/2020, 15:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ive been saying, preaching this since in May, that locking the place down is not a forward moving plan...And that we have to find a plan that balances our safety, the economy and forward moving ..When u have so many selfish lazy people benefiting from the lock down...They keep preaching lock down, as they continue to get pay for no work,, thats was the problem and I always say to my friends that when their is a policy of no work no pay, thats when the place will open up.....Yep..
  • now (08/09/2020, 16:06) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets move to the next phase quickly. 10pm to 6am curfew. Lets go.
    Make sure there is 7 to 8 hours quarantine at nights so I can sleep without the bikes them waking me up. If there is no quarantine then please ban all bikes between 8pm and 6am unless a special permit is obtained. We know that there are some people who genuinely uses their bikes to do their legitimate business, but the vast majority of them are only on the road to make noise, become a nuisance and antagonize the other road users. These are the ones we need to target.
  • ausar (08/09/2020, 17:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm not going to tell you what to do in these times, Premier, only enough to say that we must figure out plans that will sustain the economy, while keeping our people safe!

    A total territory-wide lock down, cannot be the all- time answer, but rather, should be one plan, among others,to sustain the economy and it's people.

    I would like to hear what would be your plans for the up-coming months, to guide the territory into a safer environment for us all!
  • Communicate maybe? (08/09/2020, 18:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    So if there is this great plan thats constantly being tweaked and adjusted why not share just a tiny bit of it with us so we know you are not full of piss? I suspect govt likes lockdowns and curfew as it makes it easier to get away with all the corrupt illegal activities these politicians and all they friends is involved in. If you really and truly have a plan share it otherwise stop lying to us, were not all idiots here.
  • Lb (08/09/2020, 20:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lmao! What a joke this is!
  • Rick (09/09/2020, 08:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    thank God the government now know they can't keep locking down to please the WHO and the CDC . keep the country open and running. The CDC was busy to sing BVI praises ,but the moment a few cases was recorded they could not wait to warn people against traveling to the same BVI a few months ago they were singing such high praise about. The BVI was the safest place to travel until we got a few new cases . this just goes to show us the same people that praise you when you are doing good they are the first ones to speak against you when something bad happens. i want those people in the WHO and the CDC yo know that in the British Virgin Islands we serve and believe in a big and mighty God, and we are a praying country. Our God is going to bring us out of this pandemic in the mighty name of JESUS. let the whole country say amen
  • Hate to say it.... (09/09/2020, 21:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Time to March forward.... Time to make things happen... Time to open the borders up. This is just like a revolving door... Disappointing.... A friend from Jacksonville US said to me Just tonight that she heard that Sowande is the only one with balls and vision.... If he was The captain we would have been further ahead,. Don't know where she got that from.... People talk,. that's what they do...
  • concerned1 (11/09/2020, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How come you never see a travel advisory against traveling to the United States? And they have the most cases in the world


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