Travellers could pay up to $1000 for breaching local COVID protocols
The government has outlined fines and fees travellers to the BVI will have to pay if they breach government’s COVID-19 protocols implemented for the local tourism industry.
The fines are outlined under section 13 of the COVID-19 Control & Suppression Regulations (2020) which were approved by Cabinet this week.
According to the regulations, “a person who tampers with or damages a geofencing device shall be issued a fixed penalty notice by the relevant authorised officer and be required to pay a fine of $125.”
Any unauthorised person who visits any person who is quarantined under the said regulations will be fined $500.
It further said: “A person who contravenes the protocols or guidelines under these regulations or otherwise contravenes the provisions of these regulations, shall be … required to pay a fine of $1000.”
The regulations state that the fixed penalty must be paid to the Magistrate’s Court that will also specify the period within which the penalty is to be paid.
The court may require the fine to be paid within 21 days or earlier if a person is scheduled to leave the territory soon.
Fixed Penalty Notice
A fixed penalty notice is an alternative to prosecution before the magistrates’ court which includes a fine. Offenders are usually issued a notice on the spot.
If offenders accept guilt, they pay the fine. But if they challenge it, they’ll have to appear in court. Fixed penalty notices are not usually classified as criminal offences.
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Brilliant timing.
Nothing like a set of threats to attract the tourists.
Who is in charge of this debacle.
This COVID-19 is nothing about safety or health, but rather a massive money grab by the Government. These m**herf**kers have ZERO f**king shame!!!!!!
GREAT GOING BVI, MORE STUPIDITY AND THREATS TO SCARE AND EXTORT POTENTIAL VISITORS. BVI, IT IS OVER FOR THE TOURIST INDUSTRY. YOUR SMALL SIMPLETON MINDS DESTROYED YOUR SINKING ECONOMY FURTHER INTO THE ABYSS.
Can we please spread some positive news about traveling to the BVI?
Or is it all just bad?
The protocols and safety measures put in place to protect us all would not make much sense if we allow people to break them without consequence. Anywhere in the world illegal entry is a serious offense. America don’t put you up in no hotel when they catch you illegal in their country.
@Simple: Yeah, but Americans catch you with the virus from out of state, they don’t fine you $$$. They make you go quarantine instead.
Feeling the BVI Love yet?
We were not planning to VISIT YOUR ISLAND TO BREAK ANY COVID-19 RULES OR PROTOCOLS. WE WERE COMING TO ENJOY THE BEACH AND WHAT THE BVI HAS TO OFFER FOR THE VISITING TOURIST. YOU GUYS MESSED UP YOUR OWN TOURIST SEASON AND FOR SOME REASON YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE THE TOURIST TAKE THE BLAME. DON’T WORRY, WE GOT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. THERE ARE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS IE.. ST.THOMAS, JAMAICA, ANTIGUA, ST.KITTS, ST.LUCIA AND A FEW MORE THAT IS MORE WELCOMING AND APPRECIATE THE TOURIST.
there has to be consequences for ones actions. I am sure the BVI govt would rather everyone follow the rules vs having to fine someone. Besides its a really rough day when you are required to stay on your boat in paradise and can only swim within a short distance. personally given the world we currently line in this sounds like a dream. sign me up.
Great news that they set penalties in writing. How about they detail ALL of the protocols in writing? The “plan” is not written down. We have done all of this training – for what? To keep running in circles?
Financial Penalty is the new third pillar of income with the demise of Financial Services