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New COVID-19 challenges 'seemingly spurred by greed'- Hon Malone
The Minister made the announcement last evening, August 24, 2020, during a COVID-19 update and said the findings came after an intensive review of the Health Emergency Operations Centre COVID-19 Situation Report #23 carried out by Cabinet to chart the way forward with the handling of the pandemic in the Territory.
Over the course of the week, authorities have been pushing a 'see something, say something' agenda towards fighting human and other types of smuggling, even as the Territory's borders remain closed as a COVID-19 protection measure.
Taking to social media on Sunday, August 23, 2020, Hon Malone said he was, "simply frustrated with these people smugglers who are endangering lives and livelihoods."
'VI can do better' - Hon Malone
He said the smuggling activities come after 5 months of sacrifice, "we expect better than this, we can do better than this."
As part of a response to the situation, the Immigration Department has so far teamed up with Her Majesty's Customs to execute an enhanced border security plan on a 24/7 basis if necessary. The surveillance team will be operating from platforms in VI waters to intercept unauthorised vessels.
"As a community, we must rally together to protect each other against this threat by requiring more of ourselves and our fellow residents," Hon Malone said.
As of August 24, 2020, the total number of active cases in the Territory was 17, out of 26 total confirmed cases with 8 recoveries and 1 death.
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16 Responses to “New COVID-19 challenges 'seemingly spurred by greed'- Hon Malone”
As we look at the recent surge in cases in the country and the chaos surrounding it, this Bible scripture came to mind. I know many don't believe in God but this scripture suit our current situation perfectly. Love of money leads to Greed which leads to our current situations. Persons involved in smuggling others into the country illegal have put all of us in danger and for what. Just to have money to make it rain in clubs, fancy cars, flashy jewelry and all sort of material stuff that can't do any thing for them in time of need. Friend cheering them on and whole heap of nonsense taking place. Now families are panicking and we all uneasy. For what I ask again. They money looks good and you may have gain much but have lost way more than you barging for. Again read this scripture and see if this does not apply to our current situation.
This whole thing goes beyond human smuggling: it's about drugs, weapons and the movement of large quantities of cash. I do not blame this government because for whatever reasons no government has acted to improve border security. When this government decides to invest in maritime security (and I'm sure you will have no resistance for the general public when they do) to help secure our borders then some of the nocturnal criminal behaviour will become less prevalent.
The rumor mill has not been kind to a certain department that is involved in your maritime security; not kind for many years. From what I understand Immigration, Customs, Police and Conservation personnel are the ones that are on rotational shifts to help keep our borders safe. With this set-up, I am content. Please, I beg you government, keep this rotation beyond the pandemic. I do not think that any one agency should go out and do it. It will help with TRANSPARENCY, increase camaraderie between departments, and keep all the necessary agents involved our maritime activities, no matter the incident. And to all of you who are executing your duties, who continue to go out and provide a service whilst risking your lives, THANK YOU! Stay safe BVI
KW
People want guns, cause we cant buy them legally. People want drugs most of which come from plants because we cant grow them legally. And finally people both man & woman want to work illegally (for example the guy from venesuela that fell from UPS and these so called strippers).
The system is set up this way its a finger trap, to pull your finger out you have to push it in. Be hard on them then prices get higher, stakes get higher and the cycle repeats.
Thats how these shipments of coke add up to millions in this day and age. Many do risk their life to achieve that.
The hard truth is if people have what they want right here legally there would be no need to smuggle. Prices drop quality improves & its no longer worth the risk.
& about these strippers thats not a occupation to stay in for years does the work permit system account for this type of worker, or is there a need to smuggle them in?
Bitter medicine in babylon system if yall really serious about solutions & not the parental stomping huff & puff quick fix that makes the children experts in hiding mischief. Or in this case experts in carrying covid back & forth.