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HoA observes moment of silence for VI’s 37 COVID-19 deaths

- Premier Andrew A. Fahie says staggering loss was felt by all in VI community
In a short tribute let by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), this Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) today, observed a moment of silence for the spate of COVID-19 deaths in the VI which now totals to 37 as of today. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Premier Andrew A. Fahie led the tribute while delivering a situation update on the territory’s COVID-19 pandemic handling at today’s August 12, 2021, Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola. Photo: HoA
Premier Andrew A. Fahie led the tribute while delivering a situation update on the territory’s COVID-19 pandemic handling at today’s August 12, 2021, Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola. Photo: HoA
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – In a short tribute led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) today, observed a moment of silence for all who lost their lives to COVID-19 in the territory.

Premier Fahie initiated the tribute while delivering an update on the territory’s COVID-19 situation at today’s August 12, 2021, Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola.

There have been 37 COVID-19 related deaths in the territory, 36 of which occurred in 2021.

“On behalf of all the members of this Honourable House, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and, Mr speaker with your kind permission, I ask that we have a moment of silence for all residents who have lost their lives through COVID-19, all 37 of them and even those who have died outside of COVID-19,” he said.

The HoA then moved into a moment of silence with all Members of the House and others present standing as part of the tribute.

“Mr Speaker, these people were our, family they were friends, they were business people and for us in the BVI each person that dies it's connected to all of us, and that is felt,” he said.

July death toll 'staggering - Premier 

“…and this staggering loss occurred in the space of just under three weeks. We continue to pray for the dearly departed and for their families, friends and loved ones,” he said.

Premier Fahie reminded that the VI is a small close-knitted community and that anything that happens to a member of the community is felt by all.

“Mr Speaker, my intention is not to blame anyone. People have enough stress to deal with so I'll not mention what the contact tracing has pointed to as an explanation for the rapid spread of the virus,”

Hon Fahie attributed the deaths to community spread; however, he noted it has now been brought under control by health authorities.

The Premier emphasised that everyone must still remember to follow the public health guidelines.

10 Responses to “HoA observes moment of silence for VI’s 37 COVID-19 deaths”

  • Ccb (12/08/2021, 16:05) Like (14) Dislike (23) Reply
    Honorable Premier, you don’t have to “mention what the contract tracing has pointed to as an explanation for the rapid spread of the virus”.
    We know what it is. No blame intended here, education is the only intention: a lack of vaccination in the population is what lead to this tragedy.
  • Hdhf (12/08/2021, 17:34) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    The sacrifices.
  • Rubber Duck (12/08/2021, 19:33) Like (5) Dislike (41) Reply
    The government has failed to lead on vaccination. Constant hand wringing and avoiding the subject has led to too many people failing to be vaccinated.

    In the Second World War people were forbidden to show lights at night so enemy bombers couldn’t find cities.

    Fahie would probably have told people it was up to them.

    The second more deadly wave is coming, get vaccinated NOW.

  • Kiki (13/08/2021, 05:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    need to ask bout the housing program
  • hmmm (13/08/2021, 07:19) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of them did not die from covid-stop the lies
  • WOW (13/08/2021, 07:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    How y'all get to 37 deaths when the first case was clearly negligence. With proper investigation into the so call deaths, surely would have shown all would have been alive and well.
  • BS (13/08/2021, 09:12) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Im calling BS as there were no 37 covid nothing..... People had diabetes for crying out loud. People died of heart attack and that is FACTS. Stop with the false news spreading. Just trying to get people to JAB....Strupes.
    • Really??!! (13/08/2021, 10:12) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm not saying some of them didn't die from COVID, but ALL of them didn't die from COVID!! The way my family member was discharged from down there with all kind of stuff stuck to her, it's a shame! And she was only down there for a few hours. Woah be on to man to those who down there for days on end.
  • NICK (13/08/2021, 16:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    graduations and churches spread the virus and the lack of actions from the government at the beginning of july did not help.


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