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‘Have mercy on the people’ – Premier Fahie to banks

- appeals to telecom, utility companies & banks to be compassionate with customers
Following appeals to landlords to not evict their tenants for non-payment during these times, landlords have been expressing their understanding with Premier Andrew A. Fahie’s position but noted that the banks still require their mortgage payments. Photo: Internet Source
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has made another passionate appeal to telecoms, utility companies and banks in the Virgin Islands to be considerate of the situation of their customers during this COVID-19 lockdown period. Photo: Facebook/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has made another passionate appeal to telecoms, utility companies and banks in the Virgin Islands to be considerate of the situation of their customers during this COVID-19 lockdown period. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has made another passionate appeal to telecoms, utility companies and banks in the Virgin Islands to be considerate of the situation of their customers during this COVID-19 lockdown period.

The premier has on several occasions appealed to these companies, as well as landlords, to exercise compassion since many persons would have lost their jobs or fallen on hard times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘I am asking you to stop it’

“I am asking again to the phone companies, please don’t disconnect customers or harass them during this time. They cannot get out to pay, and please we are asking you to stop it. As the Premier of this country I am asking you to stop it,” Premier Fahie appealed on April 9, 2020, on ZBVI 780 AM.

Following appeals to landlords to not evict their tenants for non-payment during these times, landlords have been expressing their understanding with Premier Fahie’s position but noted that the banks still require their mortgage payments.

“Even those in the banks who have the automated things calling people now that they are home, call your head office and tell them look we under a 14-day curfew they can’t get out to pay. Lord have mercy on the people, stop it.

“We have to be more compassionate in some of these utility areas, whoever it is, even if it is Government entities, stop it for now,” Premier Fahie stated.

The Leader of Government Business also said Government will be assisting the people with an economic stimulus, which he said will be rolled out in stages.

One of the early measures of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government to mitigate some of the hardships of the people was the suspension of water bills for customers for 30 days.

‘Don’t worry with the dollar bill now’

Meanwhile, Premier Fahie also praised the work of the marine police and Her Majesty’s Customs for patrolling the borders; however, he appealed to residents to desist from smuggling persons across the borders to be vigilant of persons engaging in such activities.

“Let us know if you see any boats coming from the west, the east the south or the north and report it because we don’t want anyone smuggling the people right now or ever into the Virgin Islands that may be bringing the COVID-19 in with them and causing us more problems.”

Premier Fahie said persons have to understand that reckless actions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic will not only affect other persons, “it could affect you, it could affect your family and it could do great destructions, so please let us not be worried about the dollar bill right now and then don’t have life.”

44 Responses to “‘Have mercy on the people’ – Premier Fahie to banks”

  • Crusher (15/04/2020, 10:05) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply

    Hon Fahie it’s easy to say Have Mercy on the people and the business establishment bank’s etc but let me say those bank don’t have mercy especially the Bank Outsourcing to Santo Domingo they harassing you everyday with phone calls... you need to write to them for they can’t hear

    • Scotiabank (15/04/2020, 14:44) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      Especially scotia bank. I swear they are the worst bank ever. When this is all over I will pay off my credit card with them and I am switching banks. They are just awful. No mercy considering the crisis the world is in. They are not charging late fee which is $40 but everyday they are still charging interest rate. What kind of relief is that. It is the interest rate that kills us. Scotia bank f
      • Not true - recheck (15/04/2020, 16:16) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
        Not true of Scotia Bank, they have given people with mortgages the option to defer payment in the first instance for 3 months. In speaking with them they informed me that all credit cards and loans have been automatically enrolled in the 3 month programme, but you would have to apply to enroll the mortgage. Enrollment took all of 5 minutes. While doing that they aid that interest will accrue so they encouraged me to make whatever payment I can. Pay what you can. They are in the business of making money but they have considered the current event.
        Be fair and not misleading in your comment.
        • YOU (15/04/2020, 19:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          You have no idea what you are saying. She n credit cards only the $40 dollars late fee will be deducted. Interest rates are still accumulated daily. Check your fact before you come on a public forum chatting sh**. I’m not sure about mortgages. I’m speaking solely on credit cards. So the person is not misleading at all. You are.
        • ZZZ (15/04/2020, 19:14) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          @ not true.. but is that not what they said...? I’m pretty sure the person said interest rates are accumulated everyday on credit cards. He said exactly what you said. You must be working for scotia bank or just want to heard. And to be clear .. not true is right. Only $40 dollars late fee will be deducted from credit card. Interest rate are still accumulated everyday. And that is no relief. I think you should shut your mouth . And stop repeating what not true already said.
        • P (16/04/2020, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          That means the morgage aint going to end. When the give you three and add 3 to the 3 they give you. Thats 6 months.
  • impressive (15/04/2020, 10:06) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would like to take this opportunity in thanking the premier for what he’s doing and trying to do. I would also like to say to some of the employers that can do better please do so, if is even half of the employees monthly salary I know a lot of you can pay. People working for long period of time with these employers no bonus and when they are in distress not even to give a helping hand, the ones I’m talking know themselves. Also mr premier while you are at it since the social security don’t have unemployment why can’t they give back money as sickness just consider this as paying for sick days? I know it can be done.
  • Please Masa (15/04/2020, 10:08) Like (7) Dislike (51) Reply
    You need have mercy and let your prisoners out ! They been good to you, let you people out masa
  • DON Q (15/04/2020, 10:11) Like (26) Dislike (7) Reply
    The premier has a good heart
  • Locked down (15/04/2020, 10:15) Like (9) Dislike (20) Reply
    Listen to your own words. We’re suffering. Let us free
  • tola (15/04/2020, 10:31) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    The lockdown for you all good strupes
  • Windy (15/04/2020, 10:50) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
    Have mercy on the people. I haven’t had a fresh good loaded pizza for 3 weeks.
  • NezRez (15/04/2020, 11:25) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Better in the RED than DEAD. We all will have to be safe first before running ahead to undo everything that has been keeping us safe so far. We all have bills that cannot get paid right now. I eat off my small garden and bake my own bread and have a cup of my own grown tea bush. I am a retired Great Grandmother and feel it the same as you all do. I have no job or tenants to collect from like some of the landlords. Young people, this will pass, we will get on our feet again and look back at these trying times as a lesson and a blessing for those who were spared. Amen!
  • old (15/04/2020, 11:36) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We suffering. Y no money to buy food . Thank God for Rice, chicken, water.
  • Landlord (15/04/2020, 11:46) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    People who live in the BVI Who worked , have their apartments, houses, Jobs and their monies in the banks here who left on vacation and got caught off Island should be allow to return sooner than may 20th.. Then again Hurricane Season Just around the Corner...These people have their own houses and apartments they can self quarantine at their home that the procedure... OMG. Lord have Mercy..
  • u (15/04/2020, 11:52) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    All need to leave the Primear alone he is doing his best can't u see remember that he is human just like u and me u all need to take time out and pray that all for now please stay safe
  • ccc (15/04/2020, 12:07) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    you all want out? I am only speaking for myself only. If I was the leader of the Country, I would make sure, my family and loved ones is safe and let all of you that is complaining out on the streets. The leader of your Country is doing everything he can do and more to assure that you Ingrates is safe.
  • vex (15/04/2020, 12:10) Like (3) Dislike (34) Reply
    Borders close until June my lawsuit is coming my family who are locals can’t come in their own islands ohhh the government will pay for this one. I talking millions.
    • put down your pipe (15/04/2020, 14:55) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ vex
      freedom of speech could be a f()ck and u just prove that point, if you hire OJ's Dream Team you might win those millions...citizens from so many caribbean islands are stranded outside of their homelands because of this health crisis: this health issue is universal and leave up to residents like yourself our territory might have far more COVID 19 cases: you are certainly not that important to pick on you; my children can not come home as well(grandfather, grandmother, father, mother and children all born right here)
      • voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 16:16) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        @ put down your pipe.
        You realize that he can sue and possibly win right? You realize government loses millions every year on law suits? A lot of them settled before they reach the courts?

        Section 18 of the VI Constitution Order 2007 has a bill of rights that provides for 'the protection of freedom of movement'. There is an exception for matters of public safety and public health but that exception applies to restricting movement within the country and from leaving the country not entering the country. Now the government claimed that they closed to the borders to all incoming passengers as BVIslanders were returning and not adhering to the self quarantine procedures. Not only did they do that but they closed the borders with just 5 hours notice. Very unreasonable I might add. They decided to enact the Quarantine Law for that purpose to allow for persons to now be legally required to quarantine but yet kept the borders closed and will do so until 2nd June or maybe longer.

        That is the legal side of it but what about the patriotic side? Which country turns its back on its own people? USA did not. UK did not. Caymans did not( offered repatriation flights). Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have done so but I am not sure what their laws are but I do know that the 31 Trinidad nationals stranded in Barbados are seeking legal recourse.We seem to be for our self rather than our country. This is not the time for that as we need all hands on deck.

        Then there is the moral obligation of persons who are being locked out when they have a vested interest in the country. Whether it be family, work, business, mortgages, utilities etc. The bills don't stop coming. Some Creditors maybe understanding but others not so much.
        • @ voice of reason (15/04/2020, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          (Pipe man)should we come together and file a class action suit against government or what ????
          • voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 23:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            @voiceofreason

            Will need an overseas lawyer. No lawyer here will want to take this case.
        • @ voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 20:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          I would simply say that I fully agree with you that true patriotism would put country before self. That would therefore imply that TRUE patriots of this territory, in FULL understanding of the very GLOBAL nature of this pandemic and NOT considering themselves as special exceptions, would very kindly and patriotically have a seat wherever they happen to be and with great patience wait for the borders to reopen, rather than threatening lawsuits.
          To do otherwise completely belies the premise of being 'patriotic'; it is a VERY transparent "I want this therefore I will do whatever I can to have this" attitude. As you yourself say, SELFish (focused on self) rather than saving the lives of their fellow countrymen. The administration would do very well to take note and to trace IPs as necessary. As regards the 31 Trinidad nationals in Barbados, and the 40 odd who were off the coast of Guadeloupe and the others in Venezuela and elsewhere... make no mistake that public opinion in Trinidad is decrying their behaviour as VERY selfish and UNPATRIOTIC, and many quarters are asking to arrange for them to be quarantined in one of the outer islands to get around letting them within territorial waters, but yet KEEP THE MAIN POPULATION SAFE as PATRIOTS should seek to do.
          There may be legal grounds on the basis of the UN charter of human rights, but I want to say once again that I completely agree that patriotism should be paramount over selfishness in the times of a global pandemic.

          The BVI has numerous smaller islands and cays; perhaps a workaround could be to let those wishing to return home to be escorted from limited ports of entry (duly sanitised and with a controlled flow) and let them be quarantined as necessary on one of the smaller islands or cays. Unfortunately, precedent has already been set that GROWN people who were oh so patriotic that they wanted to 'come home' were really more selfish than patriotic and did not adhere to the quarantine and self isolation measures. Hence our current situation. Physically separating returners on smaller outer islands (which we are blessed to have) would be a good compromise; PROTECT THE MAIN POPULATION as a truly PATRIOTIC measure (prioritising country above individuals) and also allowing individuals the benefits of their human right to return home. No true patriot could object to that... unless of course, they weren't patriotic to begin with... merely couching their selfishness in 'patriotism'.
          Let the government adopt this approach and make the terms known to all and see how many clamour to return home with their 'patriotic' (country above self) selves...
          • voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 23:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            @ voiceofreason

            They were some selfish ones who spoilt it for the rest of the overseas BVIslanders, perm residents etc. They came here and did not adhere to the self quarantine. Did all the people return act the same way? No. they were responsible ones. Despite all that only three cases.

            With legal quarantine in place and the law on our side we should be able to overcome this.
          • Captain (16/04/2020, 22:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Well said!
  • @ccc (15/04/2020, 12:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can say that but what about those who have to work to get pay and feed families. I agree the premier is doing his best and we all want the territory to be safe but if there’s no case and borders are close are the birds going to bring the virus in? When we go out to do the big shopping again we can get it so why not keep the borders close and keep curfews but relax the times so we can work and eat, life goes on in the midst of it all.
    • Agree (15/04/2020, 14:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      But we will still find a way to eat. This is a wake up lesson to us all. My husband an I agree that we are going to have a bunker build on our property and have it stockpiled from A-Z with food and emergency supplies.
  • E. Leonard (15/04/2020, 12:45) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is one of the most challenging event/ time/period for the VI and its residents, having faced the Great Depression (1929-1933?), World War II(1939-45), Great March (November 1949), Positive Action Movement (mid to late 1960s), August 2017 Flood, Hurricanes Irma and Maria among other events. In earlier times, it faced cholera, small pox.....etc outbreaks. Tourism is 1/2 of the VI economic twin pillars (financial services other half), providing direct, indirect and induced employment. The Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), along with resulting border closure, have temporarily shutdown tourism, causing lay offs. Additionally, residents have been in 24-hour lockdown for weeks.

    Banks, telecommunications companies, and utilities companies are profit making businesses with obligations to share holders. However, in these challenging times, they must show some corporate social responsibility. They must show compassion and understanding and work with customers to restructure reasonable and practical payment plans. Additionally, though the VI is primarily a capitalist country, nevertheless, government needs to develop stimulus packages that offer medical, housing, food family and other allocations, unemployment, along with other assistance, to residents.

    On another note, though residents may be frustrated with the strict and tough measures to mitigate the Coronavirus, ie, physical/social distancing, border closure, 24-hour curfew/lockdown, quarantining.......etc, the VI cannot in a wholesale manner relax the measures, for if it does, all the sacrifices endured thus far would have been for nought.
    • RealPol (15/04/2020, 14:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      “ the VI cannot in a wholesale manner relax the measures, for if it does, all the sacrifices endured thus far would have been for nought.” Real talk. We must endure the pain to realize the gains and we must protect and shore up the gains. Indeed, some of the stimulus help promoted is straight out of the non-revolutionary democratic socialism playbook but no problem it is all good. Banks, telephone companies, BVIEC, cable companies, and Water & Sewage need to defer bill payment for up to 3 months. Further, landlords need to defer and cut rent for best customers.
      • Reasonable (15/04/2020, 22:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        I am a landlord and am prepared to be reasonable, but only if a tenant is unemployed and has a good payment record. The minute a tenant flat-out refuses to pay and uses Andrew Fahie's words as a justification, I will start the eviction process.
        • Landlord 2 (16/04/2020, 09:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Unlike you with the extra income from my rents, my property will be foreclosed on. If you are not working, vacate and stay with a friend until you find work. The other alternative is that I will be homeless with a family. Unless the stimulus money is going to contribute to rent payment, when will the tenant catch up on payments? Government needs to think rationally on this and not give out money willy Billy. They should ask them to bring utlily bills, landlord names with the rental amount and pay those directly. The food should then be given from the Red Cross until things are back to normal. Fixing one situation to create a next is not helping the economy.
    • voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 16:20) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      @E. Leonard
      Agreed with most you said exception being the border. We have a quarantine law. Enforce it and allow fellow BVIslanders their right to return to their families and livelihood.
      • E. Leonard (15/04/2020, 17:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @voiceofreason, no doubt Virgin Islanders have a right to return home to their families and livelihoods. However, a government prime responsibility is to protect life. In response to this pandemic, the government imposed some strict draconian measures to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the virus and protect life. True, those measures impact some accustomed to liberties, along with some economic stress and strain.

        Premature reopening the borders will be challenging and needs some smart, strategic and tactical actions. Yes, there is a quarantine law. However, executing the law could be problematic at this time. Will all the passengers coming in thru St. Thomas from the US, Canada, Europe, UK......etc or thru TBLIA be quarantine? Where will all these passengers be housed? Will the border be opened just for locals/belongers? Will it be economical for airlines and ferries to restart routes just to transport a few people? Will tourists swarm back to the VI if the border is open now? How long will it take for tourist arrivals to ramp up to pre-border closing levels? Will premature reopening of the borders place a heavier burden on an already limited and strapped Customs and RVIPF marine assets?

        No doubt residents/workers need to get back to work, economy needs to be restarted, businesses need to reopen, government needs to collect revenue....etc. However, government must strike a delicate between the economy and public health and safe. It must protect the low confirmed virus levels. It needs to protect life. But I will leave that decision to government, for what do I know.
        • facts (15/04/2020, 19:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          Those countries are on the list for not coming to the BVI right now
        • voiceofreason (15/04/2020, 23:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @E. Leonard

          You have already restricted access to just TB Lettsome. i am firm believer that you do not turn your back on your own. They are responsible enough people out there and I am sure the fact that they have been out over a month they will be willing to cooperate especially knowing there is a law with a steep fine and potential jail time.

          Fahie made his point. Let the people in.
  • 2 side (15/04/2020, 12:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    usually 2 sides to each story....my businesses are now "shut down" so no money from those revenue streams. have the bank mortgage to pay so if I can not collect rent will the government come my rescue during the foreclosure of my property.... when the businesses were functioning i paid the mortgage from the business revenue and never demanded rent payment from my clients....
  • vix (15/04/2020, 13:32) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    U just a fool read news in Jamaica 24 works local all of who works on a ship reach right in Jamaica and Andrew Holdness denied entery now one cannot say or do anything so u just need to go sit down on what ground u going to sue u sound like a person with out education sad to say
  • sorry (15/04/2020, 15:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    There will be no relaxing of borders for our enemy is seeking who it may destroy. If you like life please stay vigilant because it is like a hungry lion. PREMIER YOU KEEP IT CLOSED.
  • @sorry (15/04/2020, 15:55) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Correct, you have to prevent the hungry lion from getting in. I agree, keep the border sealed a little longer. Call me crazy but if the hungry lion gets in, I am going to get in my raft and and head out to sea.
  • Downtrodden (16/04/2020, 09:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have mercy on us.

    We have seen employers act with unkind speed to use the opportunity of Coronavirus. As with post-Irma, it is those who care nothing for their people who act first.

    @Harneys, Westwood & Riegels, perhaps your equity partners could dip into their millions before you lay people off. Look forward to your two faced publicity re a donation to FSN or the Humane Society or some other good cause in the next couple of weeks, paid from the souls of your former laid off employees.
  • banks (16/04/2020, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    These banks don’t care for no one u think they care they will call you fully knowing the situation an ease in smart to pay your loan MF if no money coming in how we can pay your loan people lost jobs etc omg


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