‘We have to protect borders for a little while longer’- Premier
![As the Government of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) intensified its response to the global pandemic, COVID-19, all airports and seaports in the Territory were closed to inbound passengers from Sunday, March 22, 2020. Photo: VINO/File](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_i_IMG_1330_01.JPG)
“What we are looking at, and the details will follow after this weekend, is how do we open up internally first and still keep our borders closed for a certain period, until we have demonstrated that we can handle the opening up of the curfew after the 14 days,” Honourable Fahie said on ZBVI 780 AM on April 9, 2020.
As the Government of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) intensified its response to the global pandemic, COVID-19, all airports and seaports in the Territory were closed to inbound passengers from Sunday, March 22, 2020, and subsequently to outgoing passengers as well.
The 14-day lockdown period will come to an end on April 19, 2020; however, Premier Fahie said the Virgin Islands needed to assess the situation in nearby Caribbean countries and the USA before making a decision on reopening the borders.
“We don’t want any slipping back and we also want to say that we also have to protect the borders for a little longer even when we open up, in terms of internally.”
21-day curfew could be next
Premier Fahie emphasised it is important that the Territory gets the “opening up” of the curfew correct.
“Because if we have any slippage at all, the next curfew will have to be longer. It wouldn’t be 14 days, it would end up to be 21 days. I am not saying that is etched in stones but those are some of the most likely repercussions if we do not get it correct in terms of our containment of COVID-19.
“We are not saying there will not be any more cases, we are not saying that persons are not still being tested, all of this will continue to happen but we want to make sure that we continue the efforts to limit and eliminate any community spreading.”
The Premier also said measures will have to be put in place to cope with VI nationals returning home.
“There are a lot of measures that we have to put in place that we have to roll out in a timely manner so that we can get the time to put them in place to handle some of what we know will be coming up.
“But the borders right now are not one of the areas that we can say will be opened right away because we cannot afford to retard our progress.”
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66 Responses to “‘We have to protect borders for a little while longer’- Premier”
I am howeer happy to know our government has listene and sees the need to open up internal as soon as possible.
This till the end of May and hopefully then some other countries will have the pandemic under control, I say this in hope as my business shut on the Friday the borders closed but we must make sure the country is ready before allowing visitors back in.
Next pandemic they will do better.
Mariah's by the sea could be used as a quarantine hotel, if people really want to return they will not have a problem with it.. if they do they can keep their potentially infected asses where they are !
Look at Trinidad they had nationals in Barbados and they tried to go back to their country while borders closed but couldn’t enter despite landing there.
Now they are free to go back as they completed their 14 days and will possibly go on another upon arrival to their homeland .
How many of us saw the supposedly quarantine individuals all over town and in lines with us shopping ?
Y’all want to have ur own ways
This is a deadly virus that spreads like wildfire this is no game all countries are issuing stiff measures soo don’t come here with your attitude bout hotel.
The Gov could rent one of those places like Treasure Isle or a vacation house to contain them upon arrival with 24hrs police as what all countries doing simply cause attitudes like urs a concoction for destruction.
IBH financially while they are away
We are in a good position right now living on a small Island, let's keep it like that.
And in that note of quarantined at a gov established place with police working 24hr shift will be the best option.
We certainly don’t want a repeat of their rude reckless disobedient non compliant behavior upon arrival putting the territory at risk again after we worked soo hard made soo much sacrifices.
I agree with you 100%. Also, when they come in, make sure that all the airport personnel that they may come in contact with are wearing masks. Number two, hire a specific taxi man to take them STRAIGHT to the quarantine location. Make sure that the taxi driver/s are wearing a mask and that they disinfect their buses.
No planes flying between BVI and the rest of the world, except in medical cases that cannot be conducted within the BVI then fly outs - yes
Food importation - only the port at Port Purcell be opened on specific days with qualified BVI personnel dressed PPE. The persons bringing in the cargo will have to leave the same day and if this is not possible, then a special place be made for their overnight stay and they are not allowed to roam the place. Police forces to accompany them straight from port to special place of stay and back with free meals provided. Or let these persons know that there is a set time the Port is opened for off loading goods and then boarding for outbound. One hick up I see has to do with local boaters that bring food supplies in. When they go out to bring in food and basic supplies, how are they going to be monitored from the standpoint of the COVID disease? Will they have to be quarantined for 14 days after they return?
BVI waters to be constantly monitored
Enforce curfew at nights from 6pm to 6am
The above are only some suggestions
Foolish people!
Caymans have just arranged repatriation flights for their students.
That is a shame! Potentially illegal too. No BVIslander should be locked out of their own country. We have a legal quarantine in place allow the borders to open for BVIslanders, permanent residents and work permit holders only. They must be subjected to legal 14 day quarantine and mandatory testing.
8P- 6AM curfew for another 14 days. Bars, Clubs, Schools and restaurants(deliveries only) should remain closed for another two weeks. Allow other businesses to reopen with strict social distancing measures in place.
You sound so stupid, do you think it’s only the UK and USA have BVI students? Other boarders are closed n were closed with very short notice, flights became unavailable within hours so unless you’re a student, DONT TALK FOR US!!
The voters are very wise VIP all the way
..
You are alive and well?
Then you will see each other and reunite once again.
Give thanks everyday for that favour.
Consider the alternative .
The character of a country is evident how it deals with its most vulnerable. You are vulnerable now trapped overseas. Government recently passed a Quarantine Law which appeared to be just another show as they do not want to use it for its purpose which is to ensure that anyone entering is subject to mandatory quarantine. You can even opt for testing to allay their fears.
There are some saying let them stay where they are because they are being selfish. Had they or their family been in the same position I am sure their tune would have been different. Today for me, tomorrow for you.
And has been going on for some Time now scary part is they aren’t being made aware of and as such no quarantine and they are roaming amongst us ....