STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE

COVID-19 UPDATE- PHASE II

Friday, 14^th August, 2020

I say good day and God’s Blessings to all the people of the Virgin Islands.

We thank the Lord our God for his continued blessings in our lives and in our Territory.

The world continues to grapple with the realities of COVID-19 and the BVI, is not immune.

I appreciate what we continue to do together in our little corner of the world to keep ourselves and each other safe.

So far we have only had nine confirmed cases, including one death with 8 recoveries—most of the cases being classified as imported or related.

Together, we have been able to stem the tide, but we are not out of the woods.

The problem of COVID-19 has not yet been solved.

It remains a real, deadly, imminent threat to all persons in all countries throughout the world.

We continue to see countries rushing forward with haste to open their borders, refusing to close their borders, or disobeying the recommended hygiene and safety protocols, only for them to hastily retreat as they experience a surge of infections in their population.

Can I tell you that right now, the only measures that are scientifically proven to keep us all safe are social distancing, wearing of appropriate masks or shield, and washing our hands regularly?

These measures are simple for us to do, so let us continue to do them.

In all our actions, your Government is being guided by the law, international protocols and international best practice, with guidance from God Almighty.

In particular, we are being guided by the provisions of the Public Health Ordinance, the Quarantine Act and the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act, all of which are designed to treat with circumstances such as these, and which prescribes measures that should be taken whenever there is the risk of an outbreak of disease.

All of our precautionary measures for protecting our people from the public health threat of COVID-19 are soundly grounded in the law of the land. And, your Government is being very cautious in dealing with this very fluid situation because another round of lockdown can cripple our economy to the point that we may not be able to bounce back.

Indeed, we understand and empathise with the inconvenience and hardship that COVID-19 is causing to everyone; however we must be cognisant of the double-threat – to public health and the economy.

In the BVI, we cannot afford another lockdown. It will not be healthy for our economy, economically, socially and healthwise.

We are not immuned to the trickled effect of COVID-19, which is a health issue.

That is why even with the controlled re-entry of Virgin Islands, Belongers, permanent residence and Naturalisaed Overseas Territories citizens, since 2 June 2020 and the full internal re-opening of businesses, we have been moving cautiously, and in a phased way so that we can realistically manage our environment and surroundings in the midst of the New Regular of living and working with COVID-19.

There have been several views from many quarters trying to pressure the Government to open up quickly and to open up now.

But, I want to echo something that the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter said to Members of Cabinet, which I think was the most profound statement that caused all of us to pause, he said and I quote,

“We must take into consideration what risk we can take. We must take into consideration what risk we can manage. And, we must take into consideration what we can and cannot allow.” End of quote.  

Your Government intends to concentrate on the areas that united us as a people because only through unity will we get through this pandemic, successfully.

To date we have been able to manage and monitor the process to the point where on behalf of the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, I can now announce that we are now moving into Phase two of our Restricted Border Re-opening Plan.

We are satisfied that the different Government agencies have the necessary protocols in place as we advance into Phase two of the restricted border controlled process.  

We have had Special meetings of the Cabinet on 13th August and we had to continue the meeting on 14th August. These are not easy decisions, as checks and balances are important. 

But having been satisfied that we have properly ventilated and learn from lessons in Phase one to strengthen Phase two, on behalf of Cabinet, I wish to make the following announcements:

1. Cabinet received, reviewed and noted the Health Emergency Operations Centre: COVID-19 Situation Report #21, subject to a weekly review;
2. We agreed to continue Phase 1 of the Protocols for the Controlled re-entry of persons (Virgin Islanders, Belongers, Permanent Residents and Naturalised Citizens) and approve Phase 2 of the Restricted Border Re-opening Plan, as amended, to take effect from 1st September, 2020;
3. We decided that Phase 2 of the Border Re-opening Plan will accommodate persons in the following categories with requirements for entry:
   1. Work Permit Holder or Work Permit Exemption Holder on the basis that the employer must provide evidence of:
      1. valid Trade Licence;
      2. valid employment;
      3. good standing Certificates (Social Security, Inland Revenue and National Health Insurance);
      4. employees' certificate of earnings; and
      5. valid COVID-19 operational certification.
   2. Immigration Status: Residing
      1. Persons who have been granted permission to reside in the Territory for a definite period (i.e. people who are permitted to reside but not seek employment and individuals with Land Holding Licenses) must possess a valid:
         1. permit to reside in the Territory of the Virgin Islands; and
         2. Non-Belonger Land Holding Licence for those who own property in the Territory.
   3. Students of locally based Medical Schools and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College students must possess a valid:
      1. acceptance letter from the institution;
      2. permit to reside in the Territory, if already enrolled;
      3. visa or visa waiver for persons travelling from countries requiring visa entry into the Territory;
   4. exceptional approval for persons employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies and Boards; and teachers (public and private) must possess a:
      1. valid permit to reside in the Territory of the Virgin Islands;
      2. employment letter or contract;
      3. visa or visa waiver for persons travelling from countries requiring visa entry into the Territory;
   5. dependents (spouses and children) of Belongers, Permanent Residents, work permit holders, work permit exemption holders must possess a:
      1. valid permit/documentation to reside in the Territory of the Virgin Islands;
      2. documented proof of being a spouse or child of a Belonger, Permanent Resident, work permit holder or work permit exemption holder;
   6. persons desirous of conducting business in the Territory must possess proof of a:
      1. valid letter of invitation from the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies or Boards;
4. As a Cabinet, we decided that for all of the categories above, the approved COVID-19 entry into the Territory, measures must be adhered to such as:
   1. mandatory quarantine;
   2. social distancing protocols;
   3. sanitisation and hygiene protocols; and
   4. approved face covering (masks and shields)
5. We also decided that the following special category of persons be allowed in the Territory for no longer than five days:
   1. aviation crew:
      1. must possess an Entry Certification issued by the Ministry of Health;
      2. must possess a valid work permit;
      3. must possess a negative COVID-19 test result within 48-hours before entering the Territory;
      4. must be subjected to a COVID-19 test upon arrival in the Territory; and
      5. if found positive, be in a secured quarantine for a period of 14 days or the duration of stay before departure from the Territory;
   2. maritime crew:
      1. must possess an Entry Certification issued by the Ministry of Health
      2. must possess a valid work permit;
      3. must possess a negative COVID-19 test result within 48-hours before entering the Territory;
      4. must be subjected to a COVID-19 test upon arrival in the Territory; and
      5. if found positive, be in a secured quarantine for a period of 14 days or the duration of stay before departure from the Territory;
   3. healthcare practitioners/medical staff:
      1. must possess a valid work permit;
      2. must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48-hours before entering the Territory;
      3. must be subjected to a COVID-19 test upon arrival in the Territory;
      4. if found positive, be in a secured quarantine for a period of 14 days or the duration of stay before departure from the Territory; and
      5. must adhere to the respective established medical protocols;
   4. emergency maintenance, repair and other technical personnel must:
      1. possess a valid work permit or letter of invitation from the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies or Boards;
      2. show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48-hours before entering the Territory;
      3. be subjected to a COVID-19 test upon arrival in the Territory; and
      4. adhere to the respective established medical protocols;
   5. other essential specialised workers, not mentioned are subject to approval by the Minister responsible for Immigration and Labour and the Minister for Health;
   6. diplomats must possess a:
      1. valid letter of invitation from the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies or Boards.
6. Cabinet decided that for emergency medical procedures, approval will be granted by the Minister of Health;
7. Cabinet further decided that the following special categories of persons will be allowed to enter the Territory by application to the Minister responsible for Immigration and Labour and Minister for Health with effect from Saturday, 15th August, 2020:
   1. dependent (spouses and children) of Belongers, Permanent Residents, work permit holders, work permit exemption holders;
   2. persons employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Statutory Bodies, Agencies and Boards; and teachers (public and private);
   3. persons who departed the Territory for medical purposes and those who accompanied those persons;
   4. all other category of persons must apply from 1st September, 2020.
8. We decided that, with effect from Saturday, 15th August, all qualified persons regardless of immigration status, who may be required to quarantine in private accommodation upon return to the Territory, would be required to contribute toward the cost for 24-hour security and other administrative expenses of $3500 per household, except for reasons such as medical or as otherwise exceptionally authorised by the Minister for Health; and that is if you select your private quarantine.
9. Additionally, we decided that all qualified persons, regardless of immigration status, required to quarantine in government accommodation upon return to the Territory, will be required to contribute towards the cost of quarantine as of 1st October, 2020;
10. We also decided that all qualified persons, except for Virgin Islanders, Belongers, Permanent Residents and Naturalised Citizens will contribute toward the costs for government quarantine accommodation, 24-hour security and meals in the amount of $2500, with effect from 1st October, 2020;

1. We decided that the Ministry of Health and Social Development instruct the Attorney General's Chambers to draft a new Immigration and Prohibition Order for the period from 15th August, 2020 to 31st August, 2020;

11. We further decided that the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration instruct the Attorney General's Chambers to consider the appropriate legislative means of implementing decisions that may require to be implemented by legislation.

People of the Virgin Islands Cabinet also advised that the National Security Council should not extend the Curfew Order, which expired on 13th August, 2020, thereby re-opening the Territory internally for 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

However, all businesses and individuals must adhere to all of the approved social measures; and Cabinet also advised that the National Security Council will impose restrictions on the movement of vessels within Territorial waters in a manner prescribed by Order.

Let me say here.

We are not out of the woods with COVID-19. People are coming in, in phase one and two.

We must continue to remain vigilant.

We cannot leave any stone unturned with COVID-19.

That is why the social distancing measures must apply. That is why adherence to the health protocol is a must.

This is our opportunity to test the strength of our system, our protocol, our preventative measures and our commitment to a healthy and safe Virgin Islands.

If we all follow the rules, all will be well.

I want to take this time to remind our bikers those on the scoters, all our bikers, that safe riding save lives. Please ensure that you have a scooter licence, ensure that your motorbikes are licensed and insured, 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. Our young generation is important to the future of this Territory. When our youth damage themselves, they damage their future potential in the Virgin Islands. Remember Your Life Matters!

Our responsibility as a Government is to keep the people of the Virgin Islands healthy and safe as much is humanly possible during this COVID-19 era and at all times.  

I want to thank everyone who continues to help us to be safe during this COVID-19 era.

My Government, Cabinet Members, National Security Council, Attorney General Chambers, Cabinet Office, all Members of the House of Assembly, the Health Emergency Operations Centre, the Government public officers at varying levels, the Joint Information Cell/Government Information Service, industry partners and members of the public for all coming together and doing their part in this fight against COVID-19.

In these Virgin Islands, each of us has a role to play to help our economy and to keep us safe.

Remember we are all in this together, but I must warn again that we are not out of the woods as far as COVID-19 is concerned.

Remember that COVID-19 is not playing around with us and we must not play around with COVID-19

Now that the curfew is lifted, more than ever, and the borders remain closed, with limited entry, we must hold each other accountable to get through this experience together.

This phase is our greatest test and I know with God’s help we will  pass this test. 

Please be advised that the main point of entry remains the TB Lettsome International Airport. 

So, let us continue to work together in the oneness of purpose.

Remember, God is with us, and He is opening doors for us so that we can have a Virgin Islands that generations would be proud of.

As leader of Government business, we will continue to keep you the people informed of our efforts to continue to combat COVID-19 as this remains a fluid situation. We will continue to make adjustments, so that the people of the Virgin Islands will remain safe while we balance our economy starting with the rebooting and the revitalization of our internal economy.

May God continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands and the people of the Virgin Islands.

I thank you.