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Up to $5K fine or 12 months jail for breaking curfew - Hon Carvin Malone

- says state would rather the money over imprisonment
Persons who break Curfew can face up to 1 year imprisonment of a fine up to $5000 according to the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act of 2020. Photo: Internet Source
According to Health Minster, Hon Carvin Malone the act also gives him the power to restrict the entry of ferries in ports if a virus, disease or pandemic is suspected to be a threat to the Territory as declared by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). Photo: Facebook/File
According to Health Minster, Hon Carvin Malone the act also gives him the power to restrict the entry of ferries in ports if a virus, disease or pandemic is suspected to be a threat to the Territory as declared by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). Photo: Facebook/File
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - With some eight persons arrested for breaking the mandatory 24/7 lockdown that commenced at 8:00pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, and runs until April 2, 2020, they could face penalties for defying the law now that the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act of 2020 has been passed.

'A person who fails to comply with an order made under Subsection 1, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months," Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said during a reading of the bill at the emergency sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom, Tortola, last Friday, March 27, 2020.

Money preferred! 

“We would rather the money... because you have to go and build special prisons for this. We will do everything to collect the $5,000,” Hon Malone told the House.

According to the Minster, the legislation also gives him the power to restrict the entry of ferries in ports if a virus, disease or pandemic is suspected to be a threat to the Territory as declared by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). 

Part of the amendments to the original act was to create provisions to take action against a virus before it is discovered in the Territory. 

Persons borrowing passes - CoP Matthews 

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) also reached out to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews to ascertain whether persons have been penalised so far as a result of breaking curfew.

According to the CoP, there have been "no actual penalties as yet as that will be for the court... But we have reported persons for the offence which will ultimately require a court appearance in the future in some cases," he said. 

CoP Matthews said while the force is seeing compliance, especially at nights, there are cases of abuse of passes where persons are borrowing passes and a minority group who continue to ignore the curfew order.

The curfew was put in place to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

The Virgin Islands has 3 confirmed cases of the virus.

37 Responses to “Up to $5K fine or 12 months jail for breaking curfew - Hon Carvin Malone”

  • ABC (30/03/2020, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (31) Reply
    Let my people go!
  • Hmmm (30/03/2020, 19:51) Like (28) Dislike (4) Reply
    Make the BigShut pay his fine in court. Have to be a level playing field. Otherwise set all the rest who break the cerfew order freeee.
  • Chrome- (30/03/2020, 19:58) Like (4) Dislike (21) Reply
    Fines to stiff where will that money come from if there is no work
    • Dr cool (31/03/2020, 06:59) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree with you on the fine to stiff at the same time we are not above the law we are between life and death situation we need to be covid19 free so we can go back to business lets cope with it support the government and the people of the bvi
    • wow (31/03/2020, 09:58) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well if the fine too stiff and people know they can’t pay that, there’s only one thing to do. STAY YUH ASS AT HOME!!!!
    • tretretrete (31/03/2020, 10:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Then Don't break the cerfew, just that simple
    • Fran (31/03/2020, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What is the exact meaning of shutdown? I know we must keep off of the street, but can we use our own yard if we are the only one living there? I need sunshine and air, am alone so I won't be infecting or getting infected if I am the only one in my yard and away from neighbors.
  • Smurf (30/03/2020, 20:00) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
    Will the OP Position leader be fined for walking his dog in his community? Or is he exempt from such fines and the lockdown??
    • Whatever! (31/03/2020, 07:32) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      You see him on Government street or in his yard? Set of haters in this place. Why you aint ask him that while on his page?
    • tretretrete (31/03/2020, 10:40) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      he did not leave his yard, so remember that... Stupid
  • tretretrete (30/03/2020, 20:04) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
    Imagine, money man cline was set free with a warning. Yet the lil man have to pay fines. This is wrong. This minister himself I have lost respect for. Wat messge are u sending to our ppl. The rich looks out for the rich yet again.
    • We all know (31/03/2020, 04:49) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      We all know they aren't going to do anything to their best friend cline. All the rich people in this place feel that they are above the law. Everyone caught after curfew should get at least one pardon from the Health minister. Same SH!T, different Government.
      • Dr cool (31/03/2020, 08:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Same thing I say we not above the law let’s sit back and see the law is for everyone if they find them then the country goes on for the next election
  • Baloney (30/03/2020, 20:23) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    You and and crime cline are not positive role models for our youths. Go siddung
    Respect out the window just so..
    • One oppressive Genda (31/03/2020, 00:04) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      All of these leaders all over seems like they under a Devil agenda..All of them doing the sme thing.. Nond been different or nothing creative... Seems like all of them get a copy of the same letter of how to operate... No creative thinking...
  • Guest (30/03/2020, 20:24) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great thanks. Ok now what is the penalty for rich individuals that come back are supposed to be in self quarantine but go to supermarkets and offices and put the health and safety of the country at risk, simply because “well I don’t feel sick right now, or more people died with flu so far than this????????????
    • Customer (31/03/2020, 01:41) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
      @guest give it a rest! God said he protect his own. No matter what. It’s unbelievable to you right? It doesn’t make sense. Seek God and fully embrace him and see the wonders he do for you. Cline had permission, bits of mix up but he had some sort of permission. The others didn’t in any way! Stop trying to get a man of God lock up and classing them as Criminals.
      • @Customer (31/03/2020, 07:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

        One thing I know for certain.
        Karma is for real.
        Cline the pastor will be given no mercy when the Universe grants Cline the pastor his due. We will be witnesses.
        Mark my words.



      • Guest (31/03/2020, 08:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Was not talking about Cline ja/;&:ss you people what have drunk his punch are so quick to defend him when people are not even referencing himself I am talking about travelers dimwit who are supposed to self quarantine read and comprehend from running to defend your temple leader....
  • True (30/03/2020, 21:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    on the spot fines like the UK first one $100 next1 $1000 next $10,000. you get the picture
    • keep it real (30/03/2020, 22:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ true: should one of your love one end up in violation I hope you will pay the fines: lots Of us have a set a talk: try comply with the curfew people
    • The Labour Minister (30/03/2020, 23:34) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Not hearing from the labour minister about laid off persons issues.... We quick to oppress and arrest poor people.. No one coming to their defense, they get no representation no simperty...Lord have mercy... All these people who still getting their same salary inspite the shot down dont care they supporting the oppression..... God where are you!!!!
  • Payers (30/03/2020, 22:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So how many people will get fined?
    • hurting (31/03/2020, 00:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      All these people who havs their account deposited with their salary every two weeks dont mind if the curfew and lock down lost for ever... They upon here saying yea yea shut down.. yea yea increase the curfew... for a lot of people its rough.. No money coming in... yet the rent and bills remain the same..lots of people are hurting...
  • Y’all good (30/03/2020, 22:32) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Y’all made the whole community buy into this martial law without even trying, they begging for more curfews lmao wow y’all good keep it up
  • Feel N Sad. (30/03/2020, 23:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I wonder why and what were the reasons for these people to be out during curfew there must be a reason.... Im one that truly believe that this offense should be a ticketed offense must be detained until ticket is paid... a $2 or 3 hundred dollars ticket.. This should not go against a person record.....
  • Help me understand (30/03/2020, 23:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This whole COrOnAvIrUs bull ain’t got no sort of consistency, something else is going on that we don’t know about, why Donald trump doesn’t wear a mask or gloves when he is the president, why can we leave after the curfew is up to go to the store and be around people and then all of a sudden we can’t be around them anymore ? Why are the essential workers working and there’s an airborne disease out there are they immune to the disease ? Why if my family member or wife comes back she has to be quarantined in the same house as me when we share the same bathrooms ? Not being ignorant I just want to be educated
  • money (31/03/2020, 04:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    where will the money come from suddenly the residents were driven into curfew mode some of you might have large bank accounts; if you don't have large sums of money stay home
  • virus (31/03/2020, 05:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Greenland doesn’t look like it have a curfew , ppl walking the street and kids flying kites.
  • Breathing difficulties (31/03/2020, 07:25) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    So, this is rough in the BVI. But if you really want to understand go to www.broadcastify.com, Go to Brooklyn Fire and HZatzolah EMS Dispatch it is under Fire department listings. It is the a live scanner. You can hear the calls for help broadcast. I listened in the night, over and over a 7 year old child with breathing problems, a 36 year old with breathing problems, a 8 month old with breathing problems, and shockingly it goes on and on. Tune in listen, the scanner goes quiet for a while then the calls for help come in. I listen on my iPhone, and can do other things on the phone while listening. Please try to understand the enormity of COVID19. Please try to support and obey our Government leaders. We come from people who were strong and SMART and most of all survivors. WE CAN DO THIS.
  • anegada (31/03/2020, 07:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well I don't think the law applies to Anegada.
    How many cars and bikes on the road yesterday..
    Sitting on my porch smh.
  • NezRez (31/03/2020, 08:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Malone, according to what Mr. Penn stated.. We are allowed outside on our own property, but not on the main roads. Is that true? I am one person in my house and would like to sit outside in my yard, is this okay? This is a serious question.
  • defence attorney (31/03/2020, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "........the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act of 2020 has been passed."

    By the HOA late Friday 27 March. It will become a law when it is published in the 2 April 2020 issue of the BVI Gazette.
  • Harneyite (31/03/2020, 14:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I live near Rudy's. Ttoday there is much more traffic than I have ever seen, up and down the Mt Sage road and down towards Cane Garden Bay. Maybe Greenland but can't see in that direction. A car every four or five minutes. It has been quiet but traffic started yesterday.
  • Forward ever Backward never (31/03/2020, 17:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The mentally ill people who lives on the street and in the ghetto what happens if the police meet them on the road. Jail and $5,000? Smfh. Social Development Department won't do anything to help these displaced folks. Hopefully one day we will see them taken off the street and sheltered. Our community is bigger and better than what goes on now.. We used to care.
  • Help (31/03/2020, 20:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Much walking traffic & scooter activity in the Purcell Methodist church area.
    Please address. Residents are very concerned for our safety.
    Need to see more patrol and do so in unmarked vehicle.


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