STATEMENT BY
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE
PREMIER OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
AND MINISTER FOR FINANCE

24 June, 2020

COVID-19 Update: Let’s Keep Each Other Safe

People of the Virgin Islands, good day and God’s Blessings to you.  

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands continue to meet for our regular Cabinet Meetings, and we continue to discuss the COVID-19 response of the Virgin Islands.

As a Territory we continue to move forward in Faith that Abba, our Father is keeping us safe as we move forward in this ‘New Regular’ living and working with COVID-19.

We continue to reboot and reawaken our economy in a phased approach where our people are safely returning; they are quarantining; health officials are testing; and thanks be to God we do not have any reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time. Our people who have tested negative after being quarantined for 14 days are now assimilating in to the community. 

Remember that even though we have no new or existing confirmed cases of COVID-19, we are not yet out of the woods. COVID-19 is real. In fact, some countries in the world are seeing significant resurgence, and this is no good news for economies around the world.

I want to impress upon us here the importance of not becoming complacent. We cannot let down out guard. We are fighting an enemy that we cannot see. We continue to have preventative measures in place, but the safety of us all depends on what we do.  

As a Government we know that all of the decisions are not always popular. Many of them are tough, but I can assure you that they were made in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Please continue to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds; by doing so you are contributing to keeping us safe and helping our economy.

Please continue to remain 6 feet apart; by doing so you are contributing to keeping us safe and helping our economy.

And, please continue to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth; by doing so you are contributing to keeping us safe and helping our economy.

I am asking businesses to continue to adhere to the preventative measures to keep us all safe. Do continue to reinforce the safety messages by asking your customers to be responsible as well.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been calling the hotline at 852-7650 to report symptoms. Please keep doing this. Early detection leads to early treatment and the protection of others.

Let us continue to take the necessary precautions. Every life is precious. We are in this together, and together we will defeat COVID-19.

As a Cabinet we stand by our decisions to keep us safe and help our economy.

Today, 24 June, 2020 Cabinet met and endorsed the re-opening of day care centres, preschools and summer programmes, subject to the inspection and approval by the environmental Health Division and in alignment with the Education and Public Health guidelines for their safe operation.

I want to again remind us that we are currently faced with the reality that there is no cure or vaccine in the world at this time to prevent thousands and thousands from dying from the coronavirus.  This means that as a Government, working with public service agencies, we will continue to do all that we can to protect you the people. We are asking the private sector to continue to do its part, and we are asking the people to continue to join us in protecting all of us.

At this time, let me remind you that Phase two of the Economic Response is on-going. I urge persons to apply for the different packages and reach out to the district representative and Territorial At-Large Member for economic assistance.  You can visit bvi-gov.vg for more information.  

We are seeing an increase in scooter accidents and riders are not wearing safety gears and riding safely on the road. I am urging scooter riders to practice safety on the Territory’s roads. Remember these:

• You must ensure that you have a scooter licence
• Ensure that your motorbikes are licensed
• Always wear a helmet
• Know your scooter’s limits
• Watch your speed
• Keep your distance from other vehicles
• Use both brakes
• Avoid blind spots
• Always use signals

Remember safe riding save lives. Your Life Matters!

Together, let us prevent serious injuries or death. Our young generation are important to the future of this Territory.

So, let us continue to work in oneness of purpose. Let us stay informed and remain laser-focused.

Each of us has a role to play to help our economy and to keep us safe whether it be from COVID-19, on the road, or with an economic response. 

We are in this together, and together we will stay the course.

I give you my assurance as Leader of this Territory that your Government in the midst of the challenges and adversity will stay true to the God of our forefathers; true to our purpose as Virgin Islanders; while remaining steadfast in purpose and diligent in actions.

I thank you.