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No legalisation needed for wearing of masks – Bishop John I. Cline

- said public has already been complying, but urges Gov't to dialogue with the people
Government’s plans to bring legislation making it mandatory for persons to wear masks in a public space, among other measures, are being questioned by controversial ‘man of the cloth’, Bishop John I. Cline. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement on July 8, 2020, said that as part of the new Cabinet-backed decisions, the Ministry of Health will also instruct the Attorney General to consider all relevant legislation for the purpose of enacting provisions to adhere to the social distancing measures. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement on July 8, 2020, said that as part of the new Cabinet-backed decisions, the Ministry of Health will also instruct the Attorney General to consider all relevant legislation for the purpose of enacting provisions to adhere to the social distancing measures. Photo: GIS/File
The Virgin Islands remains COVID-19 free; however, its closest neighbour the US Virgin Islands is not. Other countries such as the US, Dominican Republic and United Kingdom, where persons frequently travel to or receive travellers from, still have a number of active cases of COVID-19. Photo: Internet Source
The Virgin Islands remains COVID-19 free; however, its closest neighbour the US Virgin Islands is not. Other countries such as the US, Dominican Republic and United Kingdom, where persons frequently travel to or receive travellers from, still have a number of active cases of COVID-19. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Government’s plans to bring legislation making it mandatory for persons to wear masks in a public space, among other measures, are being questioned by controversial ‘man of the cloth’, Bishop John I. Cline.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands (VI) on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, approved a range of penalties and fines for both individuals and businesses that violate COVID-19 guidelines meant to prevent the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 legislation

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement said that as part of the new Cabinet-backed decisions, the Ministry of Health will also instruct the Attorney General to consider all relevant legislation for the purpose of enacting provisions to adhere to the social distancing measures.

Speaking as a guest on JTV’s Big Story, Bishop Cline said he disagrees that such legislations are necessary at this time, adding that the vast majority of the Territory has complied with the COVID-19 measures, resulting in there being no active cases of the virus in the Territory.

“I believe our people will cooperate with government, ensuring that we have a COVID safe BVI.

The people have complied- Bishop Cline

“It wouldn’t warrant you going to legislation. I believe that we have without legislation complied very much with our government to ensure that we are where we are. They didn’t do it by themselves, the people had to cooperate with the measures. We didn’t take to the streets, we didn’t march, we might have grumbled, gave an opinion and all of that but we didn’t take to the streets, we didn’t do any of that so why are you making it now look like we are so unruly, that you need to pull out the big stick and beat us if we don’t listen to you?”

Bishop Cline, who had publicly stated during the lockdown period that he would not comply with COVID-19 measures and would be holding church services but subsequently changed his mind, said when the Cabinet’s decision hit the public he made contact with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), who allegedly told him in part, that the Virgin Islands would be in a better position to relax all protocols when places like the US Virgin Islands, USA, Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom stabilise their infection rates.

Further quoting the Minister, Bishop Cline said: “He says for us to believe that we are immune from a second wave of COVID-19 we would be irresponsible. The mandatory mask is to ensure that we practice that which is required by others, the WHO he meaning, when the virus hits the fan.,

But, according to Bishop Cline, there is no hitting of the fan.

Let’s talk!

He said also that the public would understand if the measures are because the Territory was preparing to open up the borders fully and did not wish to have transmission of the virus in the Territory.

“So if you say that to people and you say that is one of the reasons why we are requiring masks is because we are now preparing for opening up our borders people will understand, they would, I believe they would.”

Bishop Cline also said he firmly feels the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie-led government should have a public dialogue on the issues. This he said will erase the feeling that their human rights are being trampled upon and that they are existing under a dictatorship.

33 Responses to “No legalisation needed for wearing of masks – Bishop John I. Cline”

  • John (13/07/2020, 10:45) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Pastor the place out of control when it comes to wearing mask in public places as they get in they lower the to their chin , at the bars you don't need a mask at all just your money , club worst.
    • Smith (13/07/2020, 11:06) Like (29) Dislike (14) Reply
      Them two clines claude and John like attention I never seen pastors wanting to be in everything I don’t trust them two as far as I can throw them.
    • tola (13/07/2020, 11:23) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
      Bvi have no cases= no masks
      • @ Tola...Agree 100% (13/07/2020, 12:06) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
        Tola you making a lot of sense....Unless they planning to open the borders soon, thats the only thing that will make sense with this law..
    • ?? (13/07/2020, 12:50) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply

      So you go to a bar and will drink with a @#$%^ mask on? Do you people hear yourselves? Might as well shut down everything except supermarkets with the nonsense you all talking.

    • john public (15/07/2020, 08:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Even in some government offices them in there sitting close like bread in an oven. health dept need to go and pay a visit to all the govt offices.
  • HMMM (13/07/2020, 10:49) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    Cline stop trying to be into politics stay in a pastor place I don’t under stand you and Claude
    • Good Pastor (13/07/2020, 12:09) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
      Dont study these people Pastor Clyne the only thing left is for government to blind fold them and drown them..... Continue to do the will of God and let your conscience and your faith guide you...
  • Hmm (13/07/2020, 10:50) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    John cline is a puppet don’t really believe in god he is in the lodge.
  • poor (13/07/2020, 10:50) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    Give cline the chance he going try run for politics soon.
  • Why (13/07/2020, 10:52) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    Here we go again. The unlawful and radical behavior of this man is beyond astonishing.
  • How (13/07/2020, 11:12) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    I dont Understand the purpose of wearing a Mask to a Bar or A Club because you are drinking and samthing goes for a Restaurant.
    • Protocol (13/07/2020, 12:04) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
      Just to please the oppeessors..... World health organization. Bill gates and China......Protocol....keep us scared and oppressed..
  • At last (13/07/2020, 11:49) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    At last the Bishop says something that makes sense. When the Bishop covers up with a face mask he will not be recognised in public places. What a blessing to behold
  • too much (13/07/2020, 11:53) Like (38) Dislike (8) Reply
    Wearing of mask is a personal responsibility. Why we need a legislation for that.... This is over legislating....
  • 2 Birds 1 stone (13/07/2020, 11:57) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Open the borders next week then the law will make sense... Lol St the law and the border opening coinside...happen simultaneously... Next week is good..that will be a clever move
  • Lawless (13/07/2020, 12:27) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nobody in the BVI give a damn about laws. Never been any enforcement either so why is this even news?
  • Good input (13/07/2020, 12:30) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Very good input to the pastor. This is what makes good policy, input from everyone. It is true that the government need to communicate with the public. It is true that it makes no sense to turn to legislation unless they have explained that they are now reopening the borders. The pastor said nothing wrong. Everything is truth and makes perfect sense!!
  • ZORRO (13/07/2020, 12:35) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    The "Bishop" can't find a mask small enough for himself
  • pat (13/07/2020, 13:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    It’s about saving lives John get with the programme
  • down2earth (13/07/2020, 16:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Am I not my brother's keeper?
  • Eh Hem (13/07/2020, 16:17) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    There is no Covid. The purpose of the plandemic is to terrorize the whole world and brain wash you. There will soon be individuals taking the vaccine which has the chip to in order to buy, sell or even work. No vaccine no food.
    Carvin Malone knows why they want to impose the strict Laws.
    Why he don't come out and speak the truth!!!!!
    Are we as Christians ready to take a stand and also those of you who are ready to accept your Lord Jeasus as your saviour, to do not take the vaccine.
    People the World Health Order is on Bill Gates payroll, CDC too.
    Only God can lead us into righteousness.
    The 5G is a weapon also to destroy the human race. That is why the Lord has to return to end all of this terror on the earth.
  • We in trouble (13/07/2020, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    We all know that only 3 caribbean countties that still have their borders closed...Dominica.. St Kitts and BVI....The 3 youngest and least experience leaders......
  • when (13/07/2020, 19:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The d boarder open are queiinteen will be still in effect?
  • NezRez (13/07/2020, 20:44) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Right now with our borders closed, I feel so safe. I know they will eventually have to open for economic survival. What scares me are the cruise ships that bring thousands from the virus infected countries in just one day alone. I don't believe the cruise ships properly test those passengers because how can they on their boarding day? The cruise ships have lost so much money, and will do anything to recoup it, leaving us vulnerable, sick, or maybe to die, as they go from port to port all around the world. When they start coming here again, I will personally not come outside my yard and pray the passengers have not left more than money behind. B.V.I., we are in catch 22 (damned if you do damned if you don't) situation. I hope all goes well for us, because one slip up wit this virus can wipe out our small population here. Our small islands have less population than just one pf their states......sorry, but I am very scared.
    • n (13/07/2020, 21:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      your right..the yanks have not even tried to prevent..they will kill the islands like a plauge
  • Listen (13/07/2020, 21:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Real men were masks,,,Put your big boy pants on..Wash your hands...Stop chattin froth cline..12000 aday in florida daily no fake news
  • GTFOH (13/07/2020, 23:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hate wearing the mask but wear it in stores out of respect for the written policy but a lot of people I see in the stores wearing them unproperly with their nose exposed. I dont agree with wearing the mask outside of buildings and far away from people though
  • Thankfull (14/07/2020, 06:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    keep the border close we to small for covidi stress keep your head on chief minister I feel safe
  • Guest (14/07/2020, 07:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Masks?? What happen he stop chasing 5G?????
  • Ignorance (14/07/2020, 08:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The ignorance of so called educated people is unbelievable. Why do you think the US such a great nation cases not going down .Is it wearing mask or not wearing mask ? This man is power crazy !!
  • nieve (14/07/2020, 12:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ignorance..cant compare here to US..ppl travel constantly there...much more ppl to maintain...population is way up there...the fact you think US is so great your foolish...this is coming from a US born..n raised


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