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VI targeting mostly vaccinated tourists – Premier Fahie

- says VI looking at roughly 20,000 people for COVID-19 herd immunity
Premier Andrew A. Fahie has indicated that the Virgin Islands is looking to attract mostly vaccinated tourists when the territory re-opens. Photo: Caribbean Journal
Premier Andrew A. Fahie speaking on the Tuesday, April 13, 2021, episode of Honestly Speaking said the VI will re-open to tourism and visitors whether or not the herd immunity target is met. Photo: Facebook
Premier Andrew A. Fahie speaking on the Tuesday, April 13, 2021, episode of Honestly Speaking said the VI will re-open to tourism and visitors whether or not the herd immunity target is met. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has indicated that that target for herd immunity in the Virgin Islands (VI) is set at roughly 20,000 people which the territory is hoping to meet by its full re-opening in mid-June 2021.

However, whether or not the target is met, the Premier speaking on the Wednesday, April 14, 2021, episode of Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM, said the VI will re-open to tourism and visitors, but with caution and a focus on vaccinated tourists.

“Everyone that could come to our territory, [from] the main hub of our tourism industry, are all closing down, and all of them are experiencing spikes,” he said regarding tourists coming from places like the USA and the United Kingdom. 

VI has a lot to be thankful for – Premier

The Premier said while some persons gravitated to the negative aspect of the pandemic management, he said the VI has had a lot to be thankful for regarding its current position in the pandemic and low infection rates.

“We have done all that we can do, so when we do open, it's going to be one in which to help manage it [pandemic], we are going to try to attract those who are vaccinated, to be able to allow for more flexibility of movement to help our whole economy,” he said.

The VI currently has 10 active cases of COVID-19 and has enjoyed a few periods of zero reported cases.

Hon Fahie noted that while more travel policies could come for international travel on the global front regarding vaccination, he said those who have not been vaccinated for various reasons would have to make a decision before travelling.

While the Premier said the decision for the VI to only allow vaccinated visitors in the territory is not something that has been on the table, but not decided on, he reiterated that anyone can come; however, the VI is targetting vaccinated tourists.

20 Responses to “VI targeting mostly vaccinated tourists – Premier Fahie”

  • We need all tourist.. (14/04/2021, 20:21) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    We need all who wants to come ....Non vaccinated tourist is subjected to the present quarantine protocol...ligit vaccinated tourist just move through no quarantine but continue to mask up in publuc places....We have to keep on moving. We cant let negativity and fear keep us back...Be brave, wise and courageous....Its important to make sure their vaccination document is ligit..
  • Peaches (14/04/2021, 20:48) Like (18) Dislike (8) Reply
    You all going to do and do and turn people away. You all must realise that it is not everyone wants this vaccine. If one can still catch it and spread it whilst vaccinated, what is the fuss? smh!!
    • @PEACHES (15/04/2021, 09:18) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
      On every article about the vaccine you have asked the same question and someone has explained to you the importance of reducing the risk and HOW significantly the risk of catching and carrying the virus are REDUCED for those people with the vaccine. For some reason you don't seem to ignore these responses and instead go to the next article to ask the same questions. If you don't want an answer then why ask the question? By targeting vaccinated tourists the government is GREATLY REDUCING THE RISK (69-95% depending on which vaccine was taken) of the person entering the territory being able to carry the virus.... that is what the fuss is about. If more people in the territory had accepted the vaccine the government could perhaps be more accepting of unvaccinated tourists.... but the risks brought on by unvaccinated tourists mixing with a largely unvaccinated population are not worth it.
      • Peaches (15/04/2021, 11:45) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        @PEACHES I am not asking a question. I am just being scarcastic. At least I am keeping my name, but a lot ah all you bloggers changing up your names. You don't even have a name. Check out what Dr. Faucci had to say here,


        https://www.facebook.com/emmanuel.beryllia/videos/10224047757875758


    • Rubber Duck (15/04/2021, 09:39) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      Wow some of you people are so dumb. It’s very hard to catch and very hard to spread if you are vaccinated. A US study of 15,000 vaccinated health workers found only 7 of them caught Covid even though they were working with Covid patients. Of 360,000 vaccinated in Chicago only 100 caught it. They had no or vey mild symptoms.

      Amazing ignorance.
      • 007 (15/04/2021, 12:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Latest figures from UK....


        https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9475029/Englands-Covid-outbreak-shrinking-official-statistics-reveal.html
    • Ghost (15/04/2021, 17:41) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      To peaches.. peaches I have to say that I agree with “@ peaches” regarding you blogging the same thing over and over again “every time” it comes to the vaccine issue.. and @ peaches is correct.. seeing that you’re obviously listening to Dr. fauci which I do as well why can’t you then understand once and for all that the vaccines prevent serious illness warranting hospitalization and death if you’re exposed to the virus..the difference is peaches is that if “I” am vaccinated and “you” are vaccinated then the risk of either of us getting very ill from each other is lowered.. do you think you now understand the need for us all to be vaccinated or rather the benefit?
  • What spikes? (14/04/2021, 21:00) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    I’m sorry but what spikes are in the uk? Infection rates have dropped drastically in the uk.
    I think we all know the real reason for keeping that 14 day quarantine.
    • Hernane (15/04/2021, 09:43) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      I just called my sister in England. The uk Covid rates are tiny now. The stores and pubs are open and everything is going well. She is happy to be back working. She says they have 97% vaccination rates and that’s what has allowed then to open up. Meanwhile our vaccination rates are pathetic yet we still think people are going to want to come here? Seriously?
      Anyone from the uk who is vaccinated should be welcomed with open arms and no quarantine.
  • Albert (14/04/2021, 22:24) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Typical BVI mentality .... we won't get vaccinated but we will insist everyone else will.
  • family faud (14/04/2021, 23:01) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    let the games begin
    Open Sesame
  • Too Sorry! (14/04/2021, 23:01) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tell Them Keep Looking In The Sky And See If Them Find The 20,000 people that they want vaccinated...
  • Unfortunately (14/04/2021, 23:04) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The VIP is a one man show
  • Observer (15/04/2021, 06:20) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Everything that’s happening in this world right now just sounds to me like a big agenda
  • Herd (15/04/2021, 09:10) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    There may be a herd of 20,000 infected unvaccinated people in the BVI but 20,000 vaccinated people is unlikely this year and the next.
  • Closing down? (15/04/2021, 09:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    When he says the main hub of tourism like the US and UK are all closing down, what does he mean? They are doing the complete opposite, they are all open and thriving.
  • wise up (15/04/2021, 10:05) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Wish government implemented all persons leaving or arriving must be vaccinated l,which means u don’t want the vaccine no problem u just cannot go in or out of the BVI.
  • Dr. Fourcheese (15/04/2021, 17:30) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    What is it going to take for everyone to listen to the medical professionals? When we reopen and some of you vaccine conspiracy believers start losing Mommy, Daddy or Granny please don’t come to the hospital to seek treatment or the vaccine. Stay home and cure yourself with YouTube.
    • hm (16/04/2021, 05:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You don’t deserve to work at a hospital.. Sounds like you are one of them that neglect the patients and make them wait 2-3 hours when they feel as though they are dying.
  • Only fools (16/04/2021, 11:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them giving ayo all kind of different vaccines to take and not one of ayo know anything about these vaccines but you taking them..Well that's good for those who taken the vaccine soon you guys will be acting like zombies but that's when your body will crash from all those artifical chemicals that they put in it....cayse you guys never question yourself to find out how they even make a vaccine so quick!?


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