BVI News

Internal reopening of territory starts Monday | Curfew will be relaxed for 7 hours daily

Premier Andrew Fahie

Starting Monday, April 27, government will move forward with the phased internal reopening of the territory.

Businesses will be allowed to operate within a daily seven-hour window for the next 14 days and residents will be permitted out to access these soon-to-be-available goods and services.

Premier Andrew Fahie made that announcement during a live national broadcast on Friday evening, April 24.

He said: “Businesses will be allowed to operate between the hours of 6 am to 1 pm daily to ensure that the employees will get home by the curfew. This also means that businesses should ensure that their opening hours give allowances for their staff to report and leave work within the hours of the imposed curfew.”

Things will be reassessed after the first two weeks.

Mandatory business inspections

Prior to being allowed to operate on Monday, businesses will be inspected by government’s recently-implemented Social Distancing Monitoring Task Force.

Premier Fahie said these inspections are to ensure that establishments have implemented all precautionary measures to safeguard against any spread of the virus.

The precautionary measures are mandated to include six-feet social distancing markers inside and outside the compound, and at least two sanitization stations or washbasins that customers must use upon entering and exiting.

Non-compliant business will be ordered closed

Businesses must also ensure sanitisation and proper handling of money. They are further mandated to ensure that employers and employees wear the appropriate protective masks at all times.

“Each business must understand that if we do not adhere to the measures set, it could result in the requisite authorities closing the business,” the Premier warned.

“In the case of public transportation such as ferries, taxis, and buses; passenger-seating must be staggered to facilitate social distancing. For instance, in the case of the taxi, passengers should be in alternate seats — one per row and at extreme opposite sides of the vehicle,” Fahie added.

He continued: “With respect to wearing a mask in private vehicles, you need not have the mask on your face if you are alone in your vehicle. However, if there is more than one person in the vehicle, then masks must be worn by all occupants in the vehicle. And, of course, masks must be worn when exiting the vehicle.”

Approved businesses

The businesses that will be allowed to operate in this first phase of the territory’s internal reopening include supermarkets, bakeries, fisherfolk and farmers, pharmacies, banks, fuel stations, and ferries (inter-island transportation only), buses and taxis (with limited passengers), construction companies, as well as building and concrete supply businesses.

Other businesses and services on government’s approved list include laundries, home-delivery services, insurance/legal/financial services that cannot be carried out remotely, office supplies stores, automotive parts and repair service operators, manufacturers of hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment, water/ice production and delivery services, and emergency household and business repair service operators.

Select government agencies and the territory’s Port Purcell cargo facility will also be open for business.

Government, in the meantime, has made provisions for approved businesses prepare for reopening before Monday.

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65 Comments

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  1. Barber bvi says:

    Considero que su manejo y medida adoptadas antes y despues del COVID-19 an sido excelente, pero los negocio de estetica (salones barberia), tenemos nuestra necesidades de pago de renta y FAMILIARES en nuestro país que esperan por el sustendo de comida y un poco de dinero.
    Pienso que debe incluirnos y tambien podemos mantener las igienes y las protección necesaria para realizar dicha función.

    Like 7
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    • Barber bvj says:

      I consider that its management and measures adopted before and after COVID-19 have been excellent, but the beauty businesses (barber salons), we have our rent payment needs and FAMILIES in our country who are waiting for the sustenance of food and a little of money.
      I think that it must include us and we can also maintain the assets and the necessary protection to carry out this function.

      Like 6
      Dislike 31
      • Small businesses and rent says:

        If small superettes, pharmacies and taxis are operating, why are ALL other small businesses being excluded? What about the clothes, shoes, bikes, cars, books businesses. They all have hourly paid workers and they all to pay their rent. We do not have the cash reserves of the banks, big 3 supermarkets, CTL etc. Why are we being cut out of making a living when our landladies are screaming for two months rent, April and now May. The politicians and government people have their salaries, but what about us who live month to month?

        Like 17
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        • :) says:

          If the small business is providing an essential service it should be opened. If the small business is selling jewelry, beauty products and unnecessary stuff or services then it should remain closed.

          Like 11
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          • Small businesses pay rent says:

            Why should selling jewellery, beauty products and what you consider “unneccessary stuff” still be shut? They pose no risk greater than the supermarkets and pharmacies selling beauty products etc. They still have to pay rent, BVIEC, FLOW etc. It is businesses with a lot of personal contact that put people at risk, not the others. Mostly the ones you single out are very small businesses and likely to go under, have some pity.

    • Where, says:

      with all due respect, will one see an english comment published in social media in a predominant spanish country?

      Have some curtailing of your sense of superiority. Imagine if the american, ausie, south african and english bloke could have put their accent in their blogs.et your act together and show some respect for the people whom you live amongst and depend upon for your livilihood.

      nonoe of us will go to a spanish country and demonstarte such an insult. In fact,wewould try, learn and communicate with the people in the dominant language.

      Like 13
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      • Caribbean Girl says:

        There was an English translation as well. Bilingual… not bad.

        Like 24
        Dislike 1
      • You are right. says:

        You are right. He should have left the Spanish out of here.

        But no, not everybody tries to speak Spanish when in a Spanish speaking country. English native speakers are the least capable of speaking any other language in the world.

        Like 4
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      • Thoughtful Sailor says:

        it’s in BOTH spanish and english!

      • @Where says:

        What world are you living in?

        Even some Amazon Reviews are written in Spanish.

        The post was also translated in English and had it not been, maybe just maybe the commenter might not have been versed in English.

        Anyway, Google Translate always helps.

  2. true says:

    So will banks now open at 6:30am,, will supermarkets now open at 6:30am, willall essential businesses allowed to open open at 6:30am?

    Like 18
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    • Rubber Duck says:

      Why the strange hours? Is there some benefit we cannot see?
      The virus does not survive well in bright sunshine. Better that people mingle in the daytime than in the early morning when it is much cooler with less sunlight. Conditions where the virus survives much longer on surfaces that might be touched.

      Like 12
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      • @ Rubber Duck says:

        From World Health Organization

        Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

        You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

        A number of Caribbean islands have had confirmed cases and deaths. South Africa has had over 4,000 cases. Check the stats.

    • @ true says:

      When the Premier mentions businesses, it doesn’t mean all businesses since he’s referring to the Curfew Order:

      1. supermarkets which shall be open for the sole purpose of serving deliveries ;

      2. pharmacies for the purpose of deliveries as approved; 


      3. water production and delivery services as approved; 


      4. gas stations, as may be authorised by the Governor, which shall be opened between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon, for the sole purpose of serving persons or class of persons specified in the Schedule to this Order, who are traveling to or from duty;

      5. persons employed as freight, courier and cargo distribution, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      6. persons engaged to provide apostille and related statutory services, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      7. persons employed in laundry services, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      8. persons employed as media and broadcast providers, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      9. persons engaged in bona fide farming agriculture or fisheries with urgent need to care for animals and persons offering veterinary services who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      10. persons engaged in commercial fishing between the hours of 6:00a.m and 12 noon, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      11. persons employed in transportation services (providing transportation for essential and critical operations), who are on duty, when driving to or from duty;

      12. persons employed in supermarkets providing services to and for essential and critical operations, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      13. persons employed at the health and emergency operations centre who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      14. persons employed in the legal and financial services sector approved by the Governor to undertake specific and urgent legal and financial services transactions that cannot be carried out remotely or by electronic means, who are on duty, when travelling to or from duty; and 


      15. persons who are traveling en route to a port or airport as approved by Cabinet under the Immigration and Passport(Authorised Ports of Entry) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, (without a detour) for the purpose of leaving the Territory. 


      Like 2
      Dislike 4
      • stx says:

        what about someone urgently needing to leave??? willing to come over and get brother off island and back to STX so he can get back to states. who should he contact!!!???????

      • STX says:

        Govna Mapp tried this after Maria in USVI did NOT work everyone came out all at once because of shortened hours resulting in complete chaos overwhelmed stores and gas stations traffic jams ect. THIS WILL NOT WORK I promise you, Been there STX

  3. Anonymous says:

    You all just need open up the F’ing country from talking s**t!!!

    Like 19
    Dislike 18
  4. Open eyes says:

    What about those who work by the hour, will they be paid for the eight hour work day.

    Like 9
    Dislike 14
  5. Apollo says:

    Do you get the feeling that these people just enjoying controlling other people’s lives, forgetting that they have to ask for your support again at some point in the future? Leh dem come! Heck, they even want to feed you and tell you what to do in your own house.

    Like 25
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    • @ apollo says:

      Whether you from there or not, if you don’t like how they do things all you have to do is pack yuh Sh*t* and leave!!! That way you won’t feel like you’re being controlled.

      Like 10
      Dislike 13
      • Politics will Destroy Us. says:

        Reading the comments, its clearly seen the Political Division in our country between those who supported the ruling party and those who didn’t. Membership has it’s privileges. There are those who’s got it made in the shade and those hustling for their own wages and survival. No wonder there are those who are cool with the economy and country closed down Indefinitely and those hustling for their own daily bread and survival. Prime minister of St Kitts/Nevis, Timothy Harris is already making the rounds on TV telling of the progress made and his Comfortability handling the situation and his readiness to get with opening fis country based on the readiness of the markets who supports his tourism. Gaston Brown, PM of Antigua and Montserrat is basically saying the same thing; stating he doesn’t have the luxury of remaining Closed down indefinitely. Leading up to the February election I called up someone who I’m sure, supported the current ruling party over the years. The response was “Oh no, not this time, its Coalition Time”. I was thrown off since I was trying to get support for the now governing party. But in hindsight with a vantage point view and Perspective of politics as it has and is happening, a Coalition government comes closer to true Democracy; more fair and Democratic distribution of government Opportunities and Resources; more voices being heard; more Democratic distribution of government contracts, scholarships, Statutory Board positions etc. I am talking from experience.. Party politics holds the country back.

    • No Worries! says:

      A lot of what is happening is about Power and Control. Imagine that we are the true bosses, the ones with the real power; but we gave our Employee the power to control and make our lives Difficult or Empowered. Where is the logic, after a whole month of being Prisoners in our own houses There simply isn’t any logic after our lives and freedoms have been suspended for a full month that a few hours will correct. A lot of these moves are simply Power move to show who has the power. That’s why when Election Time comes around voters should Dwell on the choices before them for a long time; even Praying over it before coming to a conclusion. Putting Power in the hands of the wrong persons could be Disastrous. I can’t imagine the late R.T O’Neal making the kind of decisions being made. Why I’m saying that? Hon O’Neal was our Premier but he was also a Successful Business man; an Entrepreneur.

  6. Really says:

    What is the difference between 6am and 1pm versus 9am and 4pm. Is the virus asleep before 6am and after 1pm. How does Foy come up with this. Regular business hours are no good? 7 hours is the cutoff? 8 hours and everyone turns into pumpkins? C’mon let’s see some reality so people can keep protocol of masks and distancing but return to somewhat normalcy. This is just crazy.

    Like 48
    Dislike 4
    • :) says:

      It’s just to reduce the risk of getting the virus. Sure the best way at prevention is to lock us all away for 24/7 but since we rely on food and income to also survive the only other option was limited curfew. Common sense says that the longer you’re out there is a higher chance of interacting with people who may or may not have the virus. Maybe if people proved that they can listen to the advisories on social distancing then things may have been different but go out on Monday and see for yourself at the number of idiots that live here.

      Like 8
      Dislike 2
    • Wow says:

      The government is just trying to protect this little island and its people and instead of you guys making the best of it at home , y’all rushing to get out and spread the virus . Do you not listen that some people can be asymptomatic and not know or show any signs ? It’s only until a family member or close friend gets sick then you will learn. God be with us all.

  7. Apollo says:

    Do you get the feeling that these people just enjoying controlling other people’s lives, forgetting that they have to ask for your support again at some point in the future? Leh dem come! Heck, they even want to feed you and say you can’t have other people in your own house. What a police state!

    Like 11
    Dislike 8
    • Think about it. says:

      @ Apollo. All those expatriates here working under a permit, not a permanent resident/belonger can’t vote. Soooo, if you notice a majority if not all of those with passes are voters, BVI family members.

  8. Bigga says:

    What about barbershops

    Like 4
    Dislike 27
  9. Concern Personnel says:

    Dear Mr. Premier, I’ve seen your concern and realized that you are trying to work with the people. I heard you mention every businesses except for bars and night clubs. We as bartenders and DJ’s at the night clubs, I think you need to consider us too and put us on the list of operation. We also have needs and bills to take care of too. We have our kids and family to take care of and we need money to sustain our financial needs. Some of us will soon have to pay for work permits etc. Are there a plan in place that government going to pay our permits and feed us till we start back to work? A barber shop and saloon is more dangerous to get the coronavirus than a club or bars. Why consider them and don’t consider us too. can you please review your list of Authorization and consider us as permission workers too? Thanks for your consideration and your co operation in advance.

    Like 4
    Dislike 36
    • Anonymous says:

      not a very good time to be on a work permit, you need permission to do anything in someones elses country, better option would be to try and get home and see this through.
      that way your living expenses dont take too much of a hit.its nice that BVi has solutions in place for work permit holders. Other places they would simply tell you sorry.

      Like 17
      Dislike 5
    • Learn sense. says:

      Curfew is from 6am to 1pm yuh def!? Who does drink so early in the day? Even if you serve a few drinks between 11 and 12 am or pm, what could that do for you and your family?

      Night club yuh say,when the place shut down at 1 pm. Schrupes. You better learn some kinda sense !

      Like 27
      Dislike 2
    • @ Concern Personnel says:

      When the Premier mentions businesses, it doesn’t mean all businesses since he’s referring to the Curfew Order:

      1. supermarkets which shall be open for the sole purpose of serving deliveries ;

      2. pharmacies for the purpose of deliveries as approved; 


      3. water production and delivery services as approved; 


      4. gas stations, as may be authorised by the Governor, which shall be opened between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon, for the sole purpose of serving persons or class of persons specified in the Schedule to this Order, who are traveling to or from duty;

      5. persons employed as freight, courier and cargo distribution, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      6. persons engaged to provide apostille and related statutory services, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      7. persons employed in laundry services, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      8. persons employed as media and broadcast providers, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      9. persons engaged in bona fide farming agriculture or fisheries with urgent need to care for animals and persons offering veterinary services who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      10. persons engaged in commercial fishing between the hours of 6:00a.m and 12 noon, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      11. persons employed in transportation services (providing transportation for essential and critical operations), who are on duty, when driving to or from duty;

      12. persons employed in supermarkets providing services to and for essential and critical operations, who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      13. persons employed at the health and emergency operations centre who are on duty, when traveling to or from duty;

      14. persons employed in the legal and financial services sector approved by the Governor to undertake specific and urgent legal and financial services transactions that cannot be carried out remotely or by electronic means, who are on duty, when travelling to or from duty; and 


      15. persons who are traveling en route to a port or airport as approved by Cabinet under the Immigration and Passport(Authorised Ports of Entry) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, (without a detour) for the purpose of leaving the Territory. 


  10. Problem says:

    Do take note:

    Most internal ferry services between inter islands that depart Road Town ferry pier departs from between 1: 30 and onwards after noon hours. To change that would require a drastic change in scheduling. Moreover, this can be a reality, but only if banks and all other business improve their customer in and out efficiency. highly unlikely where the majority populace do not utilize cyber technologies.

    Hence, the majority of people from outer islands seeking to accomplish business transcations between 8:30 and 1:pm will be severly handicapped, given the snail pace service of banking and other services.

    It is advisable then, that the 1:00 pm territory closure be reviewed. This must be done in conjunction with the ferry services for the benefit of alll stakeholders.

    Reality is, before the current pandemic, 2 out of 3 persons spends two hours minimum each day in a bank, electricity, w/s and other lines seeking to complete basic transactions.

    As a result,those patrons living on the outer islands will be severly pressed to complete needed business transactions in order to catch a 12-12:30 boat back to VG, for example.

    Further, the populace in Anegada, for example, has been completely neglected in this decision. Did the two representatives had any input in this decision?

    Though leadership is demonstrating a sincere effort to service all to mitigate total callopse, one has to wonder who is providing the internal briefings that is influencing these kinds of decisions that appear not well thought out, based on on the ground realities and subsequent interactions within them.

    It appears that the top brains of territory management are totally out of sinct with on the ground realities, and are basing their governance decisions on a pre-prepared manual. Armaturism seems to be a constant in so many decisions being made. Let us hope, then that stability remains the constant here.

    Every political leader must surround him/her self with intellectually agile deep thinkers, astute, and intellectually suple and flexible minds greater than that of the boss in charge.

    This does not appear evident in the decisions coming out of this administration. The high salary of many is not matching the ineffectual product being seen so far.

    Like 25
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  11. Dont worry says:

    It seems all part of the plan listen to the language they use in the speeches. It is probably all calculated.

    Health minister is the only one talking about going back to normal. Or questioning whether we have gone too far, and also whether we have done enough.

    Andrew said something along the lines of; no going back to normal. This is a new era. No normal until we get a cure or vaccine.

    In earlier broadcast the Governor referred to a curfew regime, slip of the tongue?

    Is this false information or what we all heard on the radio?

    Is this the real reason behind the new muzzle laws advocates of free speech warned us about?

    It is my belief that not everyone will be let in on the real plan but the moral implications of the problem we are faced with, an invisible enemy, will cause everyone to act ‘responsibly’ and crucify those who question the honorable figures in authority.

    HIV and Herpes virus have been around for 40+ years. Yet they will make you believe they can knock up a corona virus vaccine in a few months.

    Complaint complain complain. What is the solution?

    How about looking into the anti-malaria medicine and encourage healthy immune boosting diets because I sure wont be lining up to be a test monkey for a vaccine Bill Gates is pushing.

    A vaccine that they suggest to use in Africa first, coincidentally the land of HIV and Ebola.

    Like 14
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  12. Well beggars can't be chooser says:

    At least we got some kinda freedom even tho it still feel like we in bondage. Can’t have it all I guess

    Like 4
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  13. Real says:

    They need to free up the place from talking catpiss people need to live

    Like 8
    Dislike 4
  14. Anonymous says:

    What happens to the people who have a bar and restaurant, so should we continue to be sawn? that is not right

    Like 5
    Dislike 3
  15. Next announcement. says:

    With the information being given… does the speech really need to be over an hour long.

    I think I have heard “we are in this together” about 25 times.
    “The new normal” 50 times.

    Keep it concise. And to the point. Praise god and thanks everyone. But the same thing on repeat for 20 times in the same speech. Please get going.

    Like 17
    Dislike 2
    • Holding d Baton says:

      The previous holder of the Baton held it for 40 years and after waiting 20+ years and fight through two obstacles to get my hands on it, even I go to sleep forever I’ll be holding on to it. All u stop there wid ur bickering and breaking d Curfew. Now u know who holding de Baton and d Power. Lol

  16. Anonymous says:

    Businesses will not open before 8:30-9:00am as they will require at least two hours daily to clean and prepare for their customers, which means an average open time of four hours a day.
    What are the merits in closing at 1pm to my feeble mind this will only cause person’s to mass as they realise there are less hours in the day to work with.
    In my humble opinion which no one is requesting the closing hours needs to be moved to at least 3pm.

    Like 20
    Dislike 1
  17. Cuse says:

    Businesses will not open before 8:30-9:00am as they will require at least two hours daily to clean and prepare for their customers, which means an average open time of four hours a day.
    What are the merits in closing at 1pm to my feeble mind this will only cause person’s to mass as they realise there are less hours in the day to work with.
    In my humble opinion which no one is requesting the closing hours needs to be moved to at least 3pm.

  18. Eagle eye says:

    the free masons businesses will open first.this is weak leadership.poor people let me remind you that you are the majority and can put a end to this curfew anytime.

    Like 17
    Dislike 3
  19. I want to know says:

    How the government came up with those hours though?

    Like 17
  20. Concerned says:

    The way to increase social distancing is to open businesses LONGER hours so people can spread out throughout the day.

    Basic math…

    Like 36
    Dislike 1
    • @Concerned says:

      BRILLIANT!!! Wish you were advising this panicky, amateurish government! Andrew, Augustus, and Carvin watching too much TV news and becoming paranoid, nervous nellies. Lawd man – stop destroying your own economy and people!

      Like 9
      Dislike 1
  21. well says:

    The entire world overreacted to this virus. As if a child drew up the game plan.
    Closing businesses, hiding from an invisible enemy, locking people in their homes.
    It was absurd to begin with and ultimately unsustainable. time to learn how to live again in a world that was never free of deadly virus or bacteria.

    Like 11
    Dislike 6
  22. GTFOH says:

    I’m proud to say that I did not require government’s assistance to survive the curfew even though I’m far from rich. While others built their house on sand, I built mine on the rock. Shame on everybody that was earning a paycheck but still sucking government dry because it was free. From Monday onwards is an opportunity to buy what you need to control your own destiny. No more bawling about long delivery times or that you hungry with children or any other excuse. Get what you need now while you can. Dont make the same mistake twice. We might have to allow countries to charter outgoing flights to allow persons that want to leave the BVI to have the option just in case they dont like the way things are in the BVI.

    • Stupes says:

      Some people had their money but no access to the store so they had no choice but to get assistance you fool.Especially with kids in the house.Remember an extra week was added to the lockdown.

  23. Beaten says:

    Being here on a work permit is slavery to the big island family’s. This is just another way to be rid of you. Sorry

  24. Anonymous says:

    Will the WesternUnion be open?

  25. A Concern says:

    Those of us who have graciously stepped aside and allowed who we hope are the needy to apply for and receive care packages from the government, are now at a serious disadvantage.

    Having scraped our cupboards clean, and now hearing that we will be let out from Monday to shop, will the shopping be rolled out in a controlled and orderly manner? The essential workers have already been allowed three days to shop; the needy and the greedy have already received plenty of food and basic supplies from multiple sources. Now, will we have to be like a pack of crazy ants crawling out of an angry anthill, having to face the multitude to stock up?

    If not properly addressed, even with face masks, this will be an invitation for mass infection. I ask the authorities to please look into this concern urgently. Thank you.

  26. Contagious says:

    So let’s all go out Monday at 6am and we don’t even know what’s open that early. We’ll stand in line 6 feet apart patiently waiting for the store to open. Not having shopped for over 16 days I’m sure all will be very kind and understanding when someone invades our 6 foot space and buts in-line. Sure “not a problem mon”. Then the sun comes up we’ll all get hot under to collar and then the shit will hit the fan. We can only fight and riot until 1pm so let’s get it right early and kick the life out of each other. Yoo hoo ! Are we having fun yet ? Andrew who are listening to ? Obviously not the people

    Like 11
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  27. Diaspora says:

    As the 9/11 terrorists changed the modes of transportation, particularly air travel, so too will Covid-19 change will interpersonal relationships, the way businesses operate, the modes of transportation, the way our children are educated, the way we are entertained…….etc. Covid-19 will drive a new normal with the only constancy being change. The old normal is on the dung heap.

    Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time and a period uncertainty for the VI. It is having to adjust on the fly, in real time. Nonetheless, it must make practical decisions based on proven and effective best management practices that satisfies the needs of the greatest number of people. The strict mitigative actions taken thus far no doubt reduce the spreading of the Coronavirus, kept the number of confirmed cases relatively low and prevented the number of virus-related deaths. Nonetheless, there are no strong treatment protocols nor cures nor vaccine. The experts are projecting that a vaccine could be as far out as 12-18 months. Consequently, in the interim, we, both government and residents, must live with and manage the disease effectively.

    Lockdown is a temporary fix, not the panacea for long term managing this disease. Cannot lock down country forever. People are scared and fearfully and are suffering mentally, physically and economically. The majority of the population are hourly workers, ie, if you don’t work, you don’t get pay. I’m talking a WAG (Wild Ass Guess) that savings are dwindling quickly. Further, individuals, businesses and government too are hurting. Renters have difficulty paying rent, property owners have difficulty paying mortgages, residents have challenges feeding, housing and clothing their families and so on. No doubt people are eager to get back to work.

    However, getting people safely back to work will be harder said than done. It is a false choice to say that it is either the economy or life and safety. It must be both. Here is a news flash. Every life is precious. The nuts that are willing to sacrifice life for the economy are heartless, in compassionate….etc are wing nuts, ie, Dr. O, Dr. P among others. Back from my digression, government must develop strategies and tactics to strike that delicate balance, ie, life vs economy.

    Moreover, I’m not averse to the proposed phased reopening of the economy, especially the tourist sector, that slammed hard and headlong into the doldrums, a reinforced concrete wall. However, if it were my call, I would have reopened from 7:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. These 13 hours would provide residents ample time to take care of their business, avoid the rush, the crowding…….etc and provide residents from out lying Islands, ie, VG, JVD, Anegada(particular) more time to get to Town and do their thing. 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is not enough time. What business open at 6:00 a.m.?

    The small businesses that cannot open, self employed people, the workers that cannot go to work and have been out of work for weeks (save government employees)…….etc need help. The MNRLI needs to develop an agenda item for HOA to consider. And yes there are nuff poor people in the VI. Y’all stay safe. If everyone does his or her part and act and behave responsibly, the BVI collectively can face and get through this difficult and challenging nightmare.

  28. Sexy Super Cop says:

    What about western union place people have family that can not get back home and need real help

  29. Voter says:

    Premier it seems you forgot who put you there.Imagine I voted for them and I cannot open my small business while the rich continue to get richer.Small businesses were already struggling before Corona.Some days we make $0.Salon owners and barbershops have enough sense to make appointments.The small stores and boutiques did not have long lines before and they won’t have now.I love expats but in a time like this just remember that the main employees of supermarkets are expats so they can work and earn while we stay home and make $0.Everyone should be free to work.The place is small.Bills pilling up.This is unfair people dont buy just food when they go to the supermarkets.They also buy non essential items available in there.So are you saying if I have a small beauty shop I shouldnt open while the big stores continue to sell the same non essential items that I sell.At the end of the day the poor will always get the bad end of the stick.

  30. Long winded says:

    About time that there be a limit to the length of these comments. Some want to write a book of their silly ideas & dreams

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  31. Saluting cleaners says:

    I hope they inspect some of these offices, where the cleaners don’t clean properly or at all, not sweeping for over a week. Staff have to sweep and clean their own space. The mops, brooms, and buckets are older than mother hubbard cupboard. The windows have not been cleaned since the hurricane pass through and the head honcho too cheap to buy adequate basic sanitizing supplies. At the same token, there are some office cleaners whose work is so stellar clean that one can eat off the floor. They take great pride in their work wiping door handles years before the virus. We thank and salute cleaners like these.

  32. Ausar says:

    Premier Fahie, couldnt you have extended curfew limits to at least 3 pm?

    Do you really believe ALL of the people will get to their affairs daily in seven hours?

    I mean, fourteen thousand people, everyday,for two weeks, all rushing to any particular venue, is total madness, but absolutely logical, after fourteen days in isolation!

    Please, Premier, rethink about these restrictive hours, and extend the curfew!

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