Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that the 24 hour curfew will be extended due to the recent death of a suspected COVID-19 resident of the Virgin Islands.

Premier Fahie said, “The phased re-opening of business has to be pushed back and we need to extend the 24-hour curfew for just a few days more from today onwards, until we are certain that it is safe.”

The Premier further explained the rationale by stating, “If we do not do this, we open the door to the possibility of us losing everything that we have already invested, and all that we have worked and sacrificed for over the past few weeks.”

He further added, “If we do not do this, and the situation gets worse, it will prolong the shutdown of our economy, and it will worsen the impact on businesses and persons who are presently without income due to the closures.”

The Territory’s leader stressed the fluidty of the situation and reiterated that the safety of residents is his Government’s main priority.

Honourable Fahie said, “Please be mindful that the nature of COVID-19 is one that is always changing.  The one thing that we will ensure is that your Government will not compromise your safety.”

He added, “For us to get through this, we all too must play our role. We must replace fear with faith and replace panic by remaining focused on our purpose.” 

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands will flesh out the logistics to ensure that persons in the Territory are equipped with essentials during the extension of the curfew period.

The Premier said, “Your Government, through Cabinet with HEOC, is working on a plan to ensure that you have access to food supply and medication during the next few days of the extended curfew period.  Hence, believe me when I tell you, there is no need to panic.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands’ plan for the Territory during the extension of the curfew will be announced on the evening of April 18 on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page @BVI Government. 

Photo Caption:  Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.