BVI News

Economic stimulus packages coming to aid residents impacted by COVID-19

Premier Andrew Fahie

Government is planning on introducing a number of economic stimulus packages to benefit residents impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Premier Andrew Fahie gave that indication during a joint media conference with Opposition Leader Marlon Penn on Tuesday, March 24.

“One of the things that we will be bringing out for sure is; those who have been employed but now unemployed as a result of COVID-19 can now also register at the Department of Work Force & Labour,” the Premier stated

“Those stimulus packages are going to come. I can’t promise you this week because we are still monitoring certain areas to make sure that when we come, we can have as clear a picture as possible,” he added.

Government will not act rash

Premier Fahie, who is also the Minister of Finance, further said that thorough research and assessments will be conducted by his government to ensure no rash decisions that could negatively impact the territory’s economy are made.

He said: “In terms of the medium term, it looks sexy to run come out with economic packages. But we’re seeing that most countries and territories that run and come with their economic packages, their state of affairs went worse, and they had to turn back on what they came up with.”

“So we are trying to do a lot of monitoring and a lot discussions. We have a lot of things on the drawing board, but one of the things that we did not hesitate on was making sure the funding was available to be proactive to try to prevent COVID-19,” Premier Fahie explained.

He also said his government is working on a number of other economic initiatives which will not only be centred around stimulus packages but also include new industries and ways to revive the economy.

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16 Comments

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  1. Nice says:

    We commend the VIP government for their works put in place to stop covid 19 for reaching or shores.

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
  2. Vex says:

    Why all those kits done scamming going on here

  3. yes says:

    I applaud the BVI govt for closing borders and trying to prevent the Wuhan Coronavirus from reaching our island

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  4. What!!! says:

    “vex” if you going to bother to write something why not make it understandable to readers??

  5. Observer says:

    I would like to congratulate the VIP for their efforts in these trying times. I would also like to know why the social security board can’t assist people at this time? Not everyone is going to live to see sixty five to collect social security so I think these are the times when they should be getting some sort of pay out. People paying social security for years and when one not working because of hurricane and and now Coronavirus they should be given some kind of money if is even once per month until their situation is better. I’m so fed up with this paying so much money and nothing in return.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  6. Born here says:

    Vip got my vote again let myrun can’t he rass

    Like 3
    Dislike 5
  7. small man says:

    GRAVy TRAINNNNNNNNNNNNN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. I like the fact says:

    That the Government has everything on lock to protect us. Heard the damn virus can cause sudden loss of taste and smell also.

  9. Now I see says:

    When Andrew was elected as Premier, No joke, my almost 90 year old grandmother said to me, Andrew is going to be one of the best Premier we have because he is the Beacon of light that is going to get the BVI back together. She also said the Country was going to go thru some very difficult times and the Premier is going to be climbing a very steep hill and he will make it to the top of the very steep hill.I just want to say thank you to the Premier, Health service workers and everyone who is doing their best and more to ensure our health and safety.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  10. Cap says:

    This fool know the virus was here. He ain say nothing ca he ain’t we panic. Panic or not, call a quarantine an protect YOUR people!!

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
    • @CAP says:

      Now I will say to you, even if he knew days in advance, he like any other leaders of the world had to wait for the test results to be proven true and placed in his hands before he could make any public statement. My goodness, please ease up on the Premier and wish him well and support him in this time of crisis. No matter how rich, poor, our skin color or nationality, we are all in the same boat.

      • VICKIE says:

        AMEN TO THAT AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GUIDE HIM TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS FOR ALL OF US MR PREMIER WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND THE BVI GOD BLESSING.

  11. Quiet Rebel says:

    Undoubtedly, buttoning up the air and sea ports, curtailing cruise ships visits, sealing up the borders and restricting immigration and emigration will imposed economic hardships on many workers, especially workers in the tourism sector, ie direct, indirect and induced earnings. The government/tax payers definitely plays a key role in easing the pain on displaced workers. Economic stimulus packages is a step in the right direction in looking out for workers who lost jobs through no fault of their own.

    On the other hand, government has been doing a “bang up” job in its effort to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). Nonetheless, it is important that healthcare providers have the personal protective equipment(PPE), that the hospital is properly equipped to deal with the pandemic and that hospital/health system has the surge capacity to deal with a major outbreak. As other bloggers have noted, the health system becoming overwhelmed is another disaster. To avoid this bad and nightmarish situation, all residents must go all out to avoid such a scenario.

    • @QR says:

      @QR, “ On the other hand, government has been doing a “bang up” job in its effort to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).“ What is a “bang up” job? Does bang up mean good like bad means good? Lol!

  12. Concerned says:

    This is nice step in positive direction.The government is has a gesture.

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