VI blocks cruise ship calls for 30 days starting March 14, 2020
The announcement follows a new set of measures cabinet has agreed to, to protect the Territory from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with the Premier making the announcement this afternoon, Friday Mach 13, 2020.
Ports Limited to three
As part of a slew of measures, “cabinet also agreed to the limiting of the number of international ports of entry in terms of passengers to three. The ports are Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals, and one (1) cargo port of entry – Port Purcell,” Hon Fahie said in his statements.
He said the limit to the number of ports are subject to the relevant Order or legislative amendment, “these measures are necessary to facilitate the effective screening of passengers.”
In addition, Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a technical team named the ‘Coronavirus Economic and Fiscal Stability Taskforce’ will come into play to make recommendations and provide advice on the economic sustainability of the Territory over a six-month period.
A number of local festivals will also be postponed, “Cabinet decided that the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival and the 2020 Spring Regatta be postponed and that other future mass gatherings will be further reviewed at a meeting of the National Emergency Operations Centre on Monday, 16th March,” he said.
Ban for travel to & from affected countries
According to the Leader of Government Business, decisions have also been taken for enhanced screening for visitors who travelled to, from or through a high-risk country within a period of 14 days or less.
This screening will commence immediately preceding the visitor’s arrival in the Territory and will be subject to more procedures with possible quarantine for a period of up to 14 days, with the suspension of travellers who travelled to, from or through affected countries as defined by the WHO.
The Premier also noted that discussions have been had on possible price gouging and other related matters and that will be dealt with through the Department of Trade, Investment Promotions as well as other stakeholders.
“Your Government has zero-tolerance for this type of negative behaviour,” he said.
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27 Responses to “VI blocks cruise ship calls for 30 days starting March 14, 2020”
The cruise ships had already announced their 30 day halt so Mr Premier had no choice but seized the opportunity and claimed the decision.
Treating the people as if they are simple minded fools or that they are all graduates of his infamous dumbing down educational program.
Response : Votes! Reelection by any means necessary is the motivator in all of his moves.
Unlike your self identifier, we are not all identifed DUmb Idiots.
Undoubtedly, suspending cruise arrivals for 30 days was a tough and probably a gut wrenching decision but public health and safety had to be the priority. Protecting the public is a major governing responsibility. The decision probably will exact some financial hardships on taxi drivers, souvenir vendors and others engage in the tourism sector. The question is how can any financial hardships be alleviated? Perhaps the HOA can authorize and appropriate a funding package to help affected personnel in tourism and other areas. Though the focus is on cruise ship 30-day suspension, the other actions are also important in preventing, containing and mitigating the impact of the Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.