PREMIER ANDREW FAHIE CONTINUES TO STRESS SAFETY IS THEIR PRIORITY
Written by Fuze Team on August 25, 2020
Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie continues to stress that the Government’s priority is the health and safety of the people of the Virgin Islands first.
Premier Fahie explained that in the end, they had to make the choices that they did as a Government because to do otherwise would have cost lives, or it would have resulted in more extensive, long-term, and more serious damage to the local economy.
He said they have to take these steps because they want to avoid going into another shutdown of the Territory. That is why they have to go the route that we are going while reminding the public that their support and cooperation is essential to prevent or avoid another lockdown of the Territory.
The Premier said that whatever has to be done in the best interest of the health and safety of the people of the Virgin Islands will be done.”
Premier Fahie said that as a reminder, there is currently a restriction on the movement of vessels within the Territorial waters except for approved fisherfolk and intra-island ferries (apart from those travelling to/from Anegada). Persons are encouraged to call 311 immediately to report any suspected illegal activities.
Premier and Minister of Finance has commended the Joint Task Force that was approved for the COVID-19 era for their dedication in keeping the BVI safe.
The task force is a collaboration of officers from the Immigration Department, Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and he said that the Government of the Virgin Islands pledges it continued support to all of the three law enforcement agencies.
Premier Fahie in an impassioned plea, said that people of the Virgin Islands, they must remain vigilant. They must obey the protocols that are in place to keep them all safe. They must keep their guards up. They are not playing around with COVID-19 because COVID-19 is not playing around with them.
According to the Premier, they are playing around with illegal activities because safety is their priority.
Additionally, persons are reminded that the Territory is currently in Phase I of the Protocols for the Controlled re-entry of persons (Virgin Islanders, Belongers, Permanent Residents and Naturalised Citizens) via the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
If you or someone you know believes that you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, do not go to any health institution. Contact the medical hotline at 852-7650. This is important to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment and to protect those around you, such as family members and the medical personnel.
Hon. Andrew Fahie
The Premier said that these are trying times in the world, and the BVI is not immune. But, through BVILOVE we will safely get through this.
He said that persons must continue to wear a face mask or shield, sanitise hands frequently, and practice social distancing, among the other protocols, because this is the only way to reduce the virus spreading from person to person.
