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Resort group tells staff to vaccinate or face twice monthly COVID tests

- Leverick Bay group of companies says those who refuse policy will face an initial 90-day layoff
Staff at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, the Leverick Restaurant, Virgin Gorda Villas, and The Chief's Pantry were given an ultimatum to either vaccinate for COVID-19 or be subjected to third party COVID-19 every 14 days, or be laid off for an initial period of 90-days should they not accept the policy. Photo: Facebook
In a May 5, 2021, letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) written by Christina Yates, the founder of the group, she told staff that they now have a choice to either follow the policy or be laid-off. Photo: Team of Reporters
In a May 5, 2021, letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) written by Christina Yates, the founder of the group, she told staff that they now have a choice to either follow the policy or be laid-off. Photo: Team of Reporters
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI - Staff at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, the Leverick Restaurant, Virgin Gorda Villas, and The Chief's Pantry were given an ultimatum to either vaccinate for COVID-19 or be subjected to third party COVID-19 testing out of pocket every 14 days, or be laid off for an initial period of 90-days should they not accept the policy.

In a May 5, 2021, letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), written by Company Director and Founder Christina Yates, staff were given an option to either follow the policy or be laid-off in the interest of protecting both staff and guests.

May 15, 2021 deadline given 

"In the interest of preserving the health and safety of all of our staff and guests and doing our best to maintain a safe work environment, we ask that you provide us with proof of the first vaccine done by May 15, 2021," it said. 

The letter went on to say, "I refer to section 135 of the BVI Labour Code which speaks to the duties of the employer and our responsibility for everyone's safety." 

Persons who refuse to get vaccinated by May 15, 2021, can provide certification of a Negative COVID-19 test instead. 

"Holders of a Negative COVID test who decide not to take the vaccine will need to provide proof of Negative RT-PCR Test every 14 (14) days. Cost of the testing will be borne by the employee. Failure to receive proof of at least the first dose of the vaccine and no Negative PCR test will result in a 'Lay off Notice,' employees were told. 

The letter said 90 says will be provided in the first instance to allow employees to weigh their options relating to the advantage or disadvantages of taking the vaccine or being tested every 14 days.

Companies making similar moves  

The letter has surfaced just as another company, Oil Nut Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda, had told its staff to either vaccinate or be laid off for 90 days; however, Oil Nut Bay Resort did not give its staff an option of regular COVID-19 tests. 

With both companies referring to Section 135 of the VI Labour Code, 2010, subject Minister Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) told VINO on Thursday, May 6, 2021, that any complaint should be sent to the Labour Department.

Vaccination has not been made mandatory by the Government of the Virgin Islands.

72 Responses to “Resort group tells staff to vaccinate or face twice monthly COVID tests”

  • Peter (07/05/2021, 18:27) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    Section 135 of the labor code. It is the new normal.
  • nothing new under the sun (07/05/2021, 18:40) Like (33) Dislike (25) Reply
    And everything goes downhill from here. The thing is I am not afraid of the vaccine but what bothers me is the fact that people are basically DICTATING what I should put in MY body. I mean we eat junk food sometimes but we understand what it does to us. The vaccine is still in it's embryonic stages. Look at the thrombosis that some people got, had they know everything about the vaccine they would've certainly know that people would die form the thing. No one is afraid, we just need more data and time to decide. And for those who are saying that people are selfish for not taking the vaccine let me ask you this, did you take the vaccine to change the world? Or did you take it because you were afraid of what you were seeing? If it's the latter well i guess you're selfish aswell because you were thinking about your well being, YOURSELF. The point is all our multimillion dollar failsafes FAILED. The general population is not to be experimented on and those old wrinkle people who is running society NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. But no we sit and stand like simpletons and let them tell us this and that. Mark my words one day some one is gonna start a revolution and alot of things will change and believe me not for the sake of good.
    • Well Well (08/05/2021, 07:11) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
      @nothing new under the sun
      The same way you read and misunderstand, and still telling people about the vaccine is crazy. From what i read , is that the Employees rights is not being violated. They have a choice . One or the other. No one is being force to get vaccinated. If the Vaccine is not what they want , then just get tested. I see no pressure here or there.
      • Greg (08/05/2021, 23:19) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
        @ Well Well, You see no pressure getting testes every 2 weeks? Then you are a MORON! That test taken over and over will drive anyone to the brink of insanity, until they give up, quit or take the poison. Yes, it's their choice, but they were pushed between a rock and a hard place, which will make them buckle under pressure. All of you Bill Gates people suck!
    • Ratman (08/05/2021, 07:14) Like (15) Dislike (21) Reply
      You already have to have vaccination for polio etc so what’s the difference?
    • Mandela (08/05/2021, 08:33) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      An interesting comment, it gives us an insight into the failure of our education system and other social institutions. Probably best if you do not write any more.
    • VG (08/05/2021, 19:53) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      I totally Agree. straight DOWNHILL FROM HEREEEEEE
  • wow (07/05/2021, 19:01) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    Look pin Trouble! A good Lawyer will be seeing.$$$$$$
  • china (07/05/2021, 19:09) Like (8) Dislike (47) Reply
    Make them who it on work permit to take the vaccine... or don’t renew their work permit
    • yes you (08/05/2021, 06:25) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
      Just you know this virus does not ask where you come from , what race are you , how old are you, what gender are you or how rich or poor are you and neither which religon are you, so watch what you say in future .
    • Hever (08/05/2021, 07:17) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
      Most of them have already had their vaccines. It’s we who are too stubborn to take it.
  • okay (07/05/2021, 19:21) Like (24) Dislike (31) Reply
    THE EMPLOYEES THAT IS REQUIRED TO TAKE THE TWICE MONTHLY COVID TEST SHOULD BE THE ONES TO PAY FOR THE TWICE MONTHLY TESTING, NOT THE EMPLOYER.
    • Right thing to do (08/05/2021, 12:08) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      THE VACCINE IS FREE OF CHARGE. OFF COURSE, THE EMPLOYEES THAT OPT TO BE TESTED BI-MONTHLY SHOULD COVER THE COST OF EACH TEST NOT THE EMPLOYER.
      • Be Observant (11/05/2021, 13:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        NOTHING IN LIFE IS FOR FREE...EVERYTHING COMES WITH A COST!!! ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT...IN OTHER TERMS EVEN IF IT COST YOU YOUR "LIFE" THAT'S JUST TO HOW FOOLISH YOU GUYS ARE...WILL DIE FROM LACK OF WISDOM #SAD
  • omg (07/05/2021, 19:42) Like (49) Dislike (25) Reply
    Wicked set of people. You all acting like this vaccine is a savior to mankind. May God have mercy on us all.
  • Sarah (07/05/2021, 19:51) Like (95) Dislike (33) Reply
    Guys the government told the companies to make the pressure. So you could blame the companies and not the government. Be forewarned. Mark of the beast
  • BUSINESS OWNERS TOO HAVE RIGHTS (07/05/2021, 19:54) Like (25) Dislike (14) Reply
    Businesses have legal and moral rights to protect theirs business and employees best intrest from the covid-19 plaque that is still killing hunxreds of thousands of people worldwide.
    It is very simple. All those of you that will not comply to the businesses orders of a posible free work place, thendo soat your own expence. But do not complain against the consequences that will follow.
  • Mr minister (07/05/2021, 20:00) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let me hear the minister now.. most we can do is vote but we run nothing up in this place . i already took the 2 shots BUT political leaders saying is not mandatory to be vaccinated however the business owners have a whole different view and we all know the man with the gold makes the rules
  • Me (07/05/2021, 20:14) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    What is the problem?
  • Madness (07/05/2021, 20:22) Like (26) Dislike (13) Reply
    I don’t know when our government is going to start leading the chart rather than always in the background following what the USA government is doing. So USA is not making the vaccine mandatory but they are not getting involved but business doing so. We put a damn government in place to look out for the well being of the people who make their living here. How could this not be mandatory and we have these companies infringing on their staff human rights. What does Bill Gates and Fauci has to do? Come out boldly and tell us the poison that is in the vaccine before we could believe. Now he releasing genetically modified mosquitoes. What madness. And these people we put in power who we thought are intelligent are helta Skelta behind this mad globalist. States can’t find the chemicals they normally use for lethal injection to kill convicted prisoners. I wonder why. It is because they were all bought by the vaccine companies. Let’s scuff at information and not open our eyes to see.
    • yikes (09/05/2021, 10:16) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      You got a choice or choices. take the vaccine or test or quit.
      • Be Observant (11/05/2021, 20:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO SERVE GOD OR THE devil...CALLED UNTO THE LORD AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED!!!
  • TING (07/05/2021, 20:35) Like (17) Dislike (21) Reply
    The resort action breaches the employees constitutional rights. Which law makes the vaccine mandatory for employees? Pure .Discrimination . The employees should seek legal advice.
    • Cy (08/05/2021, 08:37) Like (15) Dislike (23) Reply
      Let them find a new job; it's that simple, because they are not goung to compromise my place of business with their unvaccinated as$es
      • jah know (10/05/2021, 17:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Compromise what??? The ones who took the vaccine can still contract the virus and pass it on. You must have missed that part. You all are getting fooled with this vaccine nonsense and getting sold fairy tale story about getting back to "normal". We don't need that damn vaccine to get back not hearing about covid this and that and being without masks.
    • human rights (08/05/2021, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The companies that passes the big bucks under the table, so the government give them the section 135 to use to their advantage.So there's no legal action could be taken.
  • Local Law Firm (07/05/2021, 20:47) Like (23) Dislike (14) Reply
    I’m a local lawyer and I’m willing to take these cases.
    • reality (08/05/2021, 07:54) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
      I’m a local lawyer and I won’t take these cases because I will lose and be humiliated for being naive.
  • HAHAHA (07/05/2021, 20:48) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    They are some deep undermining going on
  • End of dayz (07/05/2021, 21:14) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    Now mandatory vaccine is the norm! It will be illegal for anyone without the vaccine to work on these tourism based jobs.

    Soon after lawsuits are settled, it will be jail for none compliance!
  • well done (07/05/2021, 21:17) Like (22) Dislike (26) Reply
    We need to see more employers doing this including government for any front line workers in customer facing positions.
  • We in Trouble.. (07/05/2021, 21:40) Like (22) Dislike (15) Reply
    Vaccinate. U will not die. U may die much, much faster from no work stressed than the vaccine
    • Be Observant (11/05/2021, 20:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      ONE MUST REMEMBER THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO PREPARE YOUR SOUL FOR THE NEXT!!!
  • Citizen (07/05/2021, 21:46) Like (27) Dislike (24) Reply
    Good move! All businesses should do that
  • Madussa (07/05/2021, 21:57) Like (22) Dislike (12) Reply
    Your choice for your life is more important than your boss. Look for another job because if you are forced to inject something you do not feel comfortable with, and something bad happens to you, you will never forgive yourself. Remember, the mere fact you are threatened with losing your job shows you are not important to him, he will be forever in control of you as long as you work under him, you will be easily replaced. J O B means just over broke. To hell with those who try to force something on you that you don't want. This is not a vaccine, it is a gene therapy. You will soon see the affects of these gene therapy shots and Mr. Malone needs to read up on this before telling people to take this.
  • Thinker (07/05/2021, 22:29) Like (24) Dislike (20) Reply
    Good move, Leverick Bay. Guests are going to ask about vaccination at locations they visit. If someone wants to be part of the tourism industry, they will need to be vaccinated. If that does not appeal, there are other industries in which they can work. Let us not forget that they, too, will have to have either been vaccinated or tested and quarantined for seven days, in order not to spread the virus into the BVI, so it is completely fair.
  • Norris Turnbull (07/05/2021, 22:30) Like (16) Dislike (22) Reply
    That's effing criminal.
    • @Norris Turnbull (08/05/2021, 01:36) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      MUST WATCH ON NETFLIX - "THE BARRIER"
    • simple (08/05/2021, 09:07) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
      Vaccinate or stay at home or under your favourite tree, No government, no lawyer can tell me who I should let come into my house, or who to hire if that person is a risk to my business success...
    • @Norris Turnbull (08/05/2021, 12:02) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
      AND YOU ARE EFFING TOOOOPID, NOT STUPIDDDD!!!!! PLEASE EXPLAIN TOOOOPID
      HOW IT IS CRIMINAL FOR A OWNER OF A BUSINESS TO REQUIRE HIS EMPLOYEES TO BE VACCINATED? PLEASE EXPLAIN TOOOPID.
      • Be Observant (11/05/2021, 13:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        WHAT IS IN THE EFFING VACCINE THAT CAN STOP THIS VACCINE???? HOW THE VACCINE KEEPING THE BUSINESS SAFE???? OR YOU GUYS JUST LISTENING TO STUPIDNESS COMING FROM THESE MEMBERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS????
  • wow (07/05/2021, 23:47) Like (21) Dislike (23) Reply
    Let's boycott these harsh businesses
    • @SMH (08/05/2021, 05:00) Like (20) Dislike (8) Reply
      Go ahead and boycott them at least the rest of us will know who the non vaccinated are and will know we are safe when we visit these establishments. You’re doing us a favor.
    • HAHA (08/05/2021, 06:57) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
      I'm guessing with your level of intelligence, you don't have the resources to afford to visit these establishments. You "boycotting" will have literally zero effect.
    • Trith (08/05/2021, 07:57) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
      Great idea. You can then only go to businesses
      Where they don’t have vaccinated workers and the rest of us can be safe knowing you are not going to give us Covid.
      • omg (08/05/2021, 17:02) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        Do you know you can still get covid even though you are vaccinated, why are people forgetting this.
        • @wow (10/05/2021, 06:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          You know that much, now educate yourself some more and also know that if you do contract COVID-19 after being vaccinated, your symptoms are far less severe than those who are not vaccinated and contract the virus. That is important information so please help to spread that.
  • BOYCOTT THEM YES, YES, YES! (08/05/2021, 01:19) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    BUT WHAT WE NEED TO BOYCOTT IS IGNORANT PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CREDIBLE EVIDENCE THAT COVID VACCINES ARE DEADLY. OVERWHELMING EVIDENCES HAVE PROVEN THAT IT IS THE COVID-19 VIRUS THAT HAS KILLED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE, NOT ANTI-COVID-19 VACCINES. MANY WILL SUFFER AND DIE IN THIS COUNTRY FOR THE LACK OF GOD GIVEN WISDOM AND COMMON SENSE.


    FOOLS DIE FOR LACK OF WISDOM
  • Wait (08/05/2021, 04:11) Like (19) Dislike (10) Reply
    Didn’t Andrew say the vaccine is not mandatory however
    He said only vaccinated will benefit from
    The tourism sector.

    I saw this coming after those statements.
    Btw are we still in slavery?
    Why are they telling us what we should put into our bodies?
    Feels like slavery to me.

    Yes boycott these businesses
    When tourist season ends close your vaccinated businesses
    I could care less.


















  • cnn (08/05/2021, 04:38) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    once you white you right and i continue say there is a double standard in the territory stop the talk and let's all see what the authorities does and i saying nothing will happen leaving the staff to defending their selves
  • Local (08/05/2021, 05:13) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    So does the vaccine make the work environment safe
    If I take the vaccine and still get Covid at their workplace(proven by contact tracing).Can I sue the employee
    EMPLOYERS Stop using the labor Code when it suits you..Be consistent and use it all the time
  • resident (08/05/2021, 06:21) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    You cannot tell businesses what rules they should or should not have. None is forcing anyone to take the vaccine. They cannot do that. Employees have a choice. You can choose to have a job or you can quit. There's no force there. It's a choice. Children cannot be registered for either primary or secondary school without their vaccines. You all have children. You know that. There are certain places with uniform. You cannot go to work without your uniform. Its called rules and regulations. Quit if you don't like the rules. Ain't nothing the government can do. The lawyers know that too. But they will grab your money and still losethe case.
  • help me (08/05/2021, 07:50) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    we need to make sure those coming into our country do not have the covid 19 and mucking-up our little place: if those coming here(tourist) are covid free then we as a people and a small community have nothing to fear...money above health
  • Faithfulness (08/05/2021, 08:45) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    Let all of them who dont want to take the vaccine take up farming. That way they only interact with trees and animals. The unemployed, vaccinated people will gladly take you all jobs
  • WHAT IF (08/05/2021, 09:31) Like (5) Dislike (18) Reply
    After forced to take that so called vaccine and a family member die - some people might be forced to go after the persons
    who caused it and balance the scales
  • PSA (08/05/2021, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Madness, Your use name fit you, you are MAD with the bull you talk.
  • PSA (08/05/2021, 09:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's simple if you don't want to take the vaccine look for a next job. This is what the labor code says :Section 135 of the VI Labour Code, 2010 states, among other things, that: (1) An employer at any workplace including a construction site shall ensure that, (a) a safe, sound, healthy and secure working environment is provided as far as is reasonably practicable; (b) the measures and procedures prescribed by the Code and the Regulations are carried out; (c) every supervisor and every employee performing work complies with the Code and the Regulations; (d) every reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances for the protection of a worker; (e) reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances to protect the general public who comes into contact with the work site…
  • plain and simple (08/05/2021, 10:08) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH ALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO IS REQUESTING THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES BE VACCINATED. THE LAW SUIT THING, NOT GOING TO WORK. DON’T EXPECT TO NOT FOLLOW RULES AND BE REWARDED AT THE SAME TIME. IF EMPLOYEES REFUSE TO BE VACCINATED, TERMINATE THEM AND HIRE SOMEONE THAT WAS VACCINATED. THERE ARE PLENTY OF VACCINATED PEOPLE THAT IS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT.
  • W*F (08/05/2021, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    some on here blogging hog wash so glad to be in place were money can be made and free to speak what on they mind
  • Fake News (08/05/2021, 13:35) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    All workers should strike
  • # 9 (08/05/2021, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    no one in district 9 have enough balls to rise up against chris !!!!! home of poker run
  • BVI Talk (08/05/2021, 14:24) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    I can done see that these whities in for a good trashing when they force everyone to take this so-called vaccine and when you look down the road something goes wrong just like half of the medicines out there that they have to recall after a few years of being approved. All of them are the same. Don't take your eyes off of them and let fake smiles fool you. Buncha hypocrites.
  • bvi (08/05/2021, 15:27) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    WE HAVE NO ONE TO REPRESENT US
  • No (08/05/2021, 16:59) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    @HUMAN RIGHTS. You wouldn't win.in a pandemic human rights out the door. This is a world wide issue.
  • patience (08/05/2021, 18:37) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHAT REALLY UPSETTING ME IS THAT THE MINISTER AINT TRYING TO SOLVE THE SOLUTION IN A TIMELY MANNER TO HELP THE PEOPLE. WHAT GOING HAPPEN WHEN THE EMPLOYEE SEND HOME AND DONT HAVE ENOUGH FOR RENT N UTILITIES? THIS IS ABOVE N BEYOND C.R.A.Z.I.N.E.S.S TO THE MAXIMUM
  • you all (08/05/2021, 18:39) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Need to read and under stand and stop twisting The Labour Code for your own tactics. When the laws was established where was covid-19? My thing is, aren't those employees following the protocols by wearing their mask and sanitizing at their jobs? When they take the jab, don't those same protocols have to be practiced? As i am aware that there are no guarantees with injecting this thing in your body. So why The Premiere allowing this? WIIFY? People it's time for us to protest against those who are pushing this agenda.
  • Underneath (08/05/2021, 20:14) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Last year the government made small changes to the labour code because of the covid to help suit the employer and a bit for the employees. So why now they can’t do it with the forcing of mandatory vaccination but this is what the government wants. They using the company to shield them from the heat of being the ones to implement the mandatory vaccination cause they know the back lash it will bring and them want to say the journalism. Is reckless they are the ones that are reckless but the same way u all won’t define the minority of person who don’t want to vaccination u all will pay at the next polls
  • Mrs Tubman. (08/05/2021, 20:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The vexation and anxiety appears to be that you are being given choices. Try to grasp that you are FREE and self determination is ok...You won't be flogged.
    Get the jab or be tested bi.weekly or fire dewuk and find another more to your personal desire or become self employed or not to be employed at all. You are also free to choose a Black owned business or White owned business for your new employment. This
    These are choices given in the VI. You are also free to roam thither and yonder where requirements or no requirements are to your liking.
    Reminder.. You are free. Get rid of the shackles and move on gracefully. Best Wishes for your future.
  • ... (09/05/2021, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    MUST WATCH ON NETFLIX - THE BARRIER
  • facts (12/05/2021, 01:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I guess soon rape will be legal


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