Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

VI suspends One Caribbean for violating COVID-19 entry protocols

-airline now blocked indefinitely from flying to territory
The Virgin Islands has indefinitely suspended the Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) of One Caribbean Airlines after the service arrived in the territory in violation of entry protocols put in place by the Government to eliminate the spread of COVID-19. Photo: Facebook
“Any violation of the Government or the Authority’s protocols will not be taken lightly, as the wellbeing of our residents and citizens, our internal economy and the successful rebound of our economy post-COVID-19 is reliant on our ability to keep the BVI COVID-19 free,” BVIAA Managing Director Mr Clive Smith noted. Photo: GIS
“Any violation of the Government or the Authority’s protocols will not be taken lightly, as the wellbeing of our residents and citizens, our internal economy and the successful rebound of our economy post-COVID-19 is reliant on our ability to keep the BVI COVID-19 free,” BVIAA Managing Director Mr Clive Smith noted. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands has indefinitely suspended the Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) of One Caribbean Airlines after the service arrived in the territory in violation of entry protocols put in place by the Government to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

According to a release from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), the airline also operating as OCL Barbados, arrived at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on August 4, 2020, without the necessary requirements. 

Permit suspended indefinitely 

“As a result of the occurrence, the Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) was suspended; which essentially means that the airline will not be allowed into the Territory during the period of suspension,” Managing Director of the BVIAA Mr Clive Smith said. 

As part of entry requirements, Government’s protocols require all airlines to provide 24 hours notice of all the passengers on board the aircraft approved to arrive in the territory.

All passengers must also be in possession of a valid travel certificate issued by the Ministry of Health confirming that they are safe to enter to BVI as the first line of defence in the fight against the reintroduction and spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.

“Any violation of the Government or the Authority’s protocols will not be taken lightly, as the wellbeing of our residents and citizens, our internal economy and the successful rebound of our economy post-COVID-19 is reliant on our ability to keep the BVI COVID-19 free,” Mr Smith noted. 

Persons told to make alternative travel plans  

BVIAA said while it understands that the suspension of the service has caused some inconvenience for persons who had travel plans, they encouraged those individuals to reach out to the airline for updates on alternative arrangements.

No information was released on when the suspension will lift, however, the BVIAA has urged all other airlines operating in the territory to adhere to required protocols and guidelines put in place by the Government and the Authority.

58 Responses to “VI suspends One Caribbean for violating COVID-19 entry protocols”

  • ... (22/08/2020, 12:57) Like (14) Dislike (29) Reply
    it's about time the government show some balls...but this smith youth is weak and a waste of time
    • Otis (22/08/2020, 13:06) Like (11) Dislike (68) Reply
      Yes stop them island people from coming in here
      • Malicious People. (22/08/2020, 13:33) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
        Some people are so malicious and evil...Act like they are perfect and do no wrong and seek no forgiveness .What is so hard in forgiveness and do good...This is excessive..
        • True (22/08/2020, 17:04) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
          And what is so hard in abiding with policy especially in this time?
        • True (22/08/2020, 17:04) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
          And what is so hard in abiding with policy especially in this time?
        • Milt (22/08/2020, 18:52) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
          @Malicious People.....No its not excessive..those airline people know better. So we should entertain all bull shit from people coming to the bvi and dojng business in the bvi? Negroes like you?
        • Good girl (22/08/2020, 20:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ malicious people. You have no standard
        • Ghost (23/08/2020, 10:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ malicious people ..I know you’re not for real with the last word in your comment.. how can this be Excessive?...you are not speaking from a place of wisdom.. this is the problem- we don’t want to adhere to Rules and Regulations or Protocols.. this is exactly why this demon virus is spreading in our community as we speak; because of non-adherence to protocols and you’re on here speaking nonsense about excessive..If you lack wisdom seek it.. Faith without works is dead..they did the Right thing in suspending them..
      • ... (22/08/2020, 14:26) Like (36) Dislike (34) Reply
        Them island people build this island...no local do half of what they contribute
        • badboy (23/08/2020, 08:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          Yes but them ant work for free
        • down2earth (23/08/2020, 13:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          Nope, you all did not build here. Money earned went to help build yours. Thank God for the privilege afforded you!
        • Stitchie (23/08/2020, 14:28) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
          utter rubbish what are you talking about build the island Tortola was already built if it wasn't you wouldn't be here looking for a better lifeand if tou island people are so good im building up why dont you stay home and build up where you're from i am tired of you people talking like you came here and make Tortola what it is SMH
      • Silly (22/08/2020, 15:18) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        You must be troll .. keep on... we see through you ..divide and conquer
      • Islamder (22/08/2020, 17:25) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        You idiot i hope you don't have to go live in an islander country
      • NotNice (22/08/2020, 18:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes because ur aasshole a storm will come again jackass
      • officer (23/08/2020, 09:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Lol dwl tola is continent a big federal state lol. And if so of what, when we going wake up n unite n stop the division of who from which country and work together as our ancestors did. That's why the white man will always rule over us cause we fight amongst ourselves over petty stuff and missed the real issues.
    • officer (23/08/2020, 09:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      U sound like a hater and want his job. He dose his work fair and with respect. Was pleased to see him in operation during my time of service. Continue the good work young man!
  • Keep (22/08/2020, 13:04) Like (28) Dislike (35) Reply
    keep shooting yourselves in the foot. Air travel is very important especially since List is mia. I'm sure they could have imposed a fine instead of suspending their permit. Craziness
    • @Keep (22/08/2020, 13:55) Like (26) Dislike (10) Reply
      They did the right thing by suspending their permit. They would have continued to what they were doing if a fine was imposed. That was the right call to make.
    • @Keep (22/08/2020, 15:01) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      That would be "doing business as usual ". Put a few dollars in the palm or naje a promise to pay which will never happen. Bvi is a joke when it comes to enforcement. A lawless Gov structure. We are on another lockdown with the real possibility of fatalities because of lack of enforcement on smuggljng.. The BVI needs strong leadership in its Government and Mr Smith did what a strong and courageous head do. The current immigrant fiasco is another failed to enforce expensive fiasco.



      never simply makes for problems a
  • My girl (22/08/2020, 13:16) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wow, that's an entire airline mehson
    • Blaming Game (22/08/2020, 13:45) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
      I hate blame games. It's childish, irresponsible and very immature. . The Minor issue could have and should have been sorted out at Beef Island,..
      • point (22/08/2020, 22:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        In light of what is going on , that's not a minor issue. Adhere to the guidelines.
  • NezRez (22/08/2020, 13:18) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Good job Mr. Clive Smith. Catch them and send them out. Keep us safe by not allowing them to come in without following proper procedures. Yes, air travel is important, but we cannot allow any entries that cannot prove they have been tested for the virus and are safe.
  • rewrsdffds (22/08/2020, 13:22) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    enforcement of our laws thats a good thing and who vex vex
    • IGNANT (22/08/2020, 16:04) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      Ironically ignorance is no excuse for the LAW. The Aviation is a heavily regulated industry be guided accordingly. Sounds like a puppet move.
  • Petty (22/08/2020, 13:29) Like (12) Dislike (22) Reply
    Simple. Very petty... This is a weak move. Not a move of strength... Simple stuff that a phone call, an apology, can fix, I'm sure this was just an innocent move on both parties behalf, With no ill intent .
    • Jack A$$ (22/08/2020, 15:53) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply

      Lol, try going to certain other countries without the relevant permission and let me know how an apology works out for you. Only the BVI must be a cowboy town where anything goes.

    • @ Petty (22/08/2020, 16:35) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      laws are to be obeyed.
  • nonsense (22/08/2020, 13:39) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    It is alledged a local airline did the same. No suspension.
  • Traveler (22/08/2020, 14:02) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    so if they knew they wanted to fly into he bvi they should have done the right protical and entry rules i do npt think they would have been stopped if they had done what they had to do sorry but rules are rules it does not have anything to do with expts it is the airline fault so sometimes when you trying to beat the odds the odds beat you
  • Otis (22/08/2020, 14:07) Like (20) Dislike (22) Reply
    If wasn’t for island people you wouldn’t get current back in your house after Irma so put that in your pipe an smoke it
    • @otis (22/08/2020, 16:23) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      It have nothing to do with Island people rules are rules. I am an Island person and I find it sickening how every time the Virgin Island operate by their laws my people get mad. Look man every country whether Island or continent have laws and my people stop behaving like this. We are all caribbean people and whenever disaster strike we help out each other. Virgin Islanders went to the Bahamas to assist with their electricity. They did what they went for and leave. They did not stick around to break laws and expect to do what ever they like and through it in their faces. My people you think you are acting correctly but you are not . You cannot go in people place and disrespect them like that. You work for people they pay you whatever you settle for, they do not owe you . If I pay you to build my house you still want to take the house from me or go in and do as you like. That is craziness.
  • Dulce (22/08/2020, 14:11) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Great job Mr Smith.
    Enforcement is key.
    • hypocrites (22/08/2020, 15:17) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why dont they enforce protection of our borders. They well know who doing the smuggling yet they wont reprimand them. Hypocrites
  • Just Ridiculous (22/08/2020, 15:22) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    There are hundreds of persons - visitors and persons who are now unemployed that are required to leave depending on this airline. Most of these persons have tickets with this airline and you telling me you prolonging this. You want the people leave or not. Just ridiculous.
    • Earhart (22/08/2020, 21:15) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      The airline which they paid, in exchange for their flight, failed to do so.
      The airline failed to comply with requirements that would make the flight possible.
      Ridiculous airline for truth. Passengers should get a refund from the irresponsible airline and seek alternative means of departure.

  • GG (22/08/2020, 15:33) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    It is an embarrassment Ana a burning when a countrY continue to air its dirty laundry for everyone to judge them on . This Hostile hate that a few people continue with tarnish the BVI principles and enforcing policies has nothing to do with the multilateral make up of a country . Stop fueling division and hate we are an entangled society finger pointing is unproductive for the image of the BVI
  • Yes (22/08/2020, 15:45) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    The island people came here and worked they were highly paid if not they would have returned why do you think they want to be here all time is the money the sensible ones set themselves ot their homeland and returned I know of a lot of island whopeopledid that
  • complainant (22/08/2020, 16:39) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr, Smith i have Been trying to make contact with you since the 4 August its about time you take a stand and i have aanother complain to make against the security officers that Lady at one caribbean n air Link think She own the airport
    • Jungle Behavior (22/08/2020, 17:36) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Where them VI Air Link staff Train? In the Jungle.They behave how they want, don't answer the phones, rough up passengers. Please this is not a market, it travel.
      • @ Jungle Behavior (22/08/2020, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        It's true. The worst to deal with especially that Vi-a.
  • M (22/08/2020, 17:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ yes by now you u sound like a fool sad to say where in this world u know of a country with their own people living there now expad every little thing send them home right now u have a lot to learn u will be fine
  • M (22/08/2020, 17:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ yes by now you u sound like a fool sad to say where in this world u know of a country with their own people living there now expad every little thing send them home right now u have a lot to learn u will be fine
  • Hmm (22/08/2020, 18:16) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    But ayo own local bring covid over with a boat and ayo stay quiet.hmm
  • K (22/08/2020, 18:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    My friend this y a smart move people sopose to come in from September u don't want no one to read and spell for u this is clear as (a b c) check it out
  • facts (22/08/2020, 19:08) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    Bevis is doing an excellent job as chairman
  • The TRUTH (22/08/2020, 20:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In Tortola, anything goes or people are upset. Everywhere else has rules that must be abided by. But oh, no not Tortola.
  • Air Port (22/08/2020, 22:05) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    should have seize the plane
  • Boss Vs Leader (23/08/2020, 07:09) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Boss is affiliated with gangs, dictatorship and mobs.... Leader Is affiliated with been.incharge of a civilize society..... With Bosses, they are no room for mistakes, ur punished and everyone knows of your wrong, like what's happening now...They feel powerful doing that.....Now a leader would have sought it out, calmly and easily solve this problem at the airport with no alarm and no public drama and would simply say, Don't do it again be very careful next time.....U see leaders are solution driven... Bosses are power thirsty..... This is very hash and unnecessary...
  • Not good (23/08/2020, 10:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    from my recollection,policies are changing by the seconds and this was one that was made while the flight was en-route to the be-we-i.who to blame
  • F (23/08/2020, 18:30) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ yes d money u are taking about it doesn't belong to u that's uncle Sam money so all of us love it lol
  • is that so (23/08/2020, 23:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Certain decisions are made and at times, these may be hasty or not well thought off given the resulting undue economic hardship and public relations repercussions. I am not convince that this suspension is the result of violation of entry protocols when other carriers have done the same.

    Given the need to prevent the spread of the virus measures must be taken. However, if there was no imminent danger posed, the penalty was too drastic and biased given the actions of other carriers.

    The suspension can easily be reversed by appealing to the courts. However, its a lesson that must be learnt.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.