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'Ain't much you can do in 7 hours'– Resident

- believes Gov't should consider allowing more time for the public to access food supplies & other essential services
Customers line up outside of One Mart Supermarket in Pasea Estate in early April, 2020. Some members of the public want Government to extend the time being allowed to shop and access essential services. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said the economy is fragile and could collapse as hundreds become unemployed and face unemployment prospects; however, the control measures being put in place due to COVID-19 are necessary to protect life. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said the economy is fragile and could collapse as hundreds become unemployed and face unemployment prospects; however, the control measures being put in place due to COVID-19 are necessary to protect life. Photo: Facebook
 Customers queue up for ATM service at Scotiabank in Road Town, Tortola, on April 27, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
Customers queue up for ATM service at Scotiabank in Road Town, Tortola, on April 27, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the Virgin Islands reopens in a phased manner for seven hours per day, for the next two weeks, some residents are questioning how much can one really do within that space of time.

The Territory was on full lockdown for a month until Monday, April 27, 2020, because of the presence of the Novel Coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19.

So far six persons have tested positive and one person has died from COVID-19.

Three persons tested positive have since recovered.

According to Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), the economy is fragile and could collapse as hundreds become unemployed and face unemployment prospects.

Nevertheless, he said the control measures are necessary to protect life.

"The National Flow of income must be given the opportunity to grow or we can have a collapsed economy, which means not enough internal activity to support growth. Therefore, creating a strong business environment is most important at this time, in this new regular.  

"It is no doubt that the economy is at a fragile state. And, with the uncertainty of the virus, as the possibility of having asymptomatic persons on island, which can cause a tail spin, we have to be very careful, very careful, very careful over the next 14 days as we reopen internal business economy. As our economy reboots internally, business activity will reopen to suit," Premier Fahie noted in a statement on April 24, 2020.

While many persons are quite contented with the soft curfew, as they are aware of the danger of COVID-19 and the need to do all that is necessary to contain the virus, some are not pleased with the limited time allowed to access food supplies and essential services.

7 hours 'insufficient'

One resident, a lecturer at the H. L. Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), said the time is insufficient.

"The lifting of the curfew will not afford me sufficient time to achieve much; how many businesses in Road Town open before 8:00am? Businesses will also be required to close in time to allow their employees to get back home before 1:00 pm, according to the stipulated guidelines; which means that residents actually have four hours to take care of their business," he said.

He added: "Imagine the challenge if you live on a sister island?"

The lecturer said, luckily he ordered his supplies online through the local supermarkets and is working from home, so that eliminates the need to "join the long queues, which will inevitably be a major challenge for the next two weeks."

He continued: "I will need to find time; however, to fill out my prescription for my eye medication, and am hoping that it will not be a protracted wait at the pharmacy as it is anticipated to be at the main supermarkets and other grocery stores."

Expats will leave- VG resident

Virgin Gorda resident, John Milles said he too is not thrilled about the time given to residents to do business.

He said: "In seven hours, ain't much you can do. In seven hours, the government only talk about where that's going to be open for business, but they forgot to say how we are going to get sufficient funds to go to these business places. If we do go to work, it's only for five hours or less. When Social Security and other taxes come out of that pay, it's just enough to eat something."

He said, if this continues for much longer, expatriates will consider going back home.

"People will eventually move back to their country, and when people move back, the economy gonna be very low here, and landlords will feel the pain."

He also said it was pointless to catch a ferry from the sister islands to come to Tortola to conduct business as they would be competing with other residents to stand in lines and wait for their turn.

According to Virgin Gorda Transport, also known as Speedys, effective Monday, April 27, 2020, there will be no service on Sundays and the Beef Island trip is also out at this time.

The notice said there will be Virgin Gorda to Road Town trips from 7:00am, 8:00am and 11:30am.

The trips from Road Town to Virgin Gorda will be from 7:45am, 10:40am and at noon.

62 Responses to “'Ain't much you can do in 7 hours'– Resident”

  • old (28/04/2020, 13:22) Like (103) Dislike (18) Reply
    We complain for every thing. Thank God for life people.
    • @old (28/04/2020, 16:38) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
      I wished I could have put a million likes here. I totally agree with your statement.
    • @ old (28/04/2020, 21:36) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      You can say that again. And FB is where they all go to complain....just today, some people on there, b!+
  • Outlaw (28/04/2020, 13:23) Like (88) Dislike (16) Reply
    Can anything at all please you people, 7 hours is still better than been in 24 hours lock down. Please used your time wisely and stop the darm complaining.
    • Why ? (28/04/2020, 14:35) Like (38) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ outlaw....you cannot please some of we ; lockdown we fuss. allowed to come out we fuss. They need to buy them own private island
    • Who can (28/04/2020, 14:40) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
      For you... what about those of us who would be working from 7-12 to facilitate you... By the time we close the supermarkets and pharmacies are closed.
      • Well (28/04/2020, 22:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        Prioritize Your activities. You have 5-6 days in the week. Pace yourself. The problem is you all want to finish everything in one. For example BVIEC and grocery - that is enough. Clarence Thomas and flow that is enough. Doctor and something-or that alone. Pace yourselves.
      • sorry (28/04/2020, 23:24) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        who can...7 days makes a week and you can not take 1 day off for personal needs you will die leaving all that money for someone else to spend
    • FEd up Of these lzy Civ Sercant (28/04/2020, 15:33) Like (25) Dislike (7) Reply
      Im so fed up of these lazy axxxs Civil servants who just want to be at home collecting their salaries.. When the Premier say lock down they say how long... Time for them to get out and earn their salaries... They need to stop locking down the people who want to work.. because the people who dont want to wotk say so..
    • eyes (28/04/2020, 15:35) Like (13) Dislike (17) Reply
      Well I have to complain for now because 2 days now I trying to pay my mortgage for April at Scotiabank and Everytime I get into town the line long as hell and bank closes early I was lucky to met a few people by nagico to pay the house insurance . Time should have been until 3.00
      • Outlaw (28/04/2020, 18:17) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ eyes, what happened to online banking
        • eyes (28/04/2020, 21:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          outlaw online for those that have account at that bank i dont thats what happen to online banking for your information.
      • Guest (28/04/2020, 19:07) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        check if they have a drop box and ask security if u could drop it in the box. I do that but at another bank.
    • To Outlaw (28/04/2020, 16:01) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      I said the same thing...can't please people at all. And I must add when the VG resident said many expats will look to leave....boy, I'm sure many locals will love that SMH
  • Soft like Charmin (28/04/2020, 13:24) Like (54) Dislike (9) Reply
    Your under martial law, this is your new norm your freedom has been stripped wether you like it or not, since all of you are scared you allowed this to happen so enjoy your 7hrs of freedom
  • John Milles (28/04/2020, 13:25) Like (18) Dislike (34) Reply
    Good ...let the expats go if they want to go, there are far too many of them here in first place, particularly in law firms, some of which struggle to hire even one black person as a lawyer, much less a local.
    • Guest (28/04/2020, 19:09) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      if locals did the work, they will hire. even locals don't hire locals, geez, i wonder why. u need to get of this "i'm owed mentality" cuz u born here.
  • Be Wise (28/04/2020, 13:36) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    Our issue is we don’t know how to think! A lot can be done within 7 ours especially if the first set of house ain’t using to troll Social media. It’s all about
    Prioritizing your day what’s very important from day. There’s a saying (early birds get the worms)
    • God Bless Trump (28/04/2020, 15:51) Like (8) Dislike (41) Reply
      If it wasnt for Trump all of us will die...Trump is the lone Soldier against the corrupt and evil conspiracy between China and WHO, who plan is to kill us off.. But because of Trump exposing them they back off... The Media especially CNN attacking Trump because CNN is just like the Civil Servants here, the more the fear and negativity go on the longer the story live, the more money they make..... Where are the real Christians? Trump is America President, He has to be brief daily by the best intelligence team in the world and u all think he aint no what he is saying..Think.. They are so acustomer of telling Presidents how to talk and what to say Like they had Obama like a Remote Control, They cant do that to Trump..
      • @trump (28/04/2020, 19:22) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
        Go back to America to TRUMP and while you are there, have several glasses of LYSOL mixed with BLEACH AND AMONIA, with him.
  • Bad Decision (28/04/2020, 13:46) Like (14) Dislike (11) Reply

    This decision causing more rushing, crowds and longer lines

    • O Boy.. (28/04/2020, 15:52) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
      The lock doen has become excessive, we are now like slaves..
      • Nia (02/05/2020, 14:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ O Boy...You obviously know nothing about slavery and I don't have 400 years to teach you our Ancestors inhumane history. Try reading all of the horrific things that were done to us during Slavery, and see if what we are going through can even compare. Google it. It is there in clear writing with pictures. We are on lock down for our own safety, not for punishment. Remember Corona is out there waiting to pounce on anyone within reach. SMH
    • Outlaw (28/04/2020, 18:22) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Bad decision you are dead wrong, this have nothing to do with the decision, it’s solely have to do with our own mentality. Nothing is running alway except our lives so take it easy, be patient and considerate.
  • willie t (28/04/2020, 13:47) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's not only the 7 hours it's WHICH 7 hours. Great for construction guys but gives the rest of us a VERY small window in which to do what we need to considering bank and business hours. Wear the masks y'all. And please try to remember how to drive after almost a month. Let's do this right and not give then yet another reason to lock us down completely again.
  • Road Town Rebel. (28/04/2020, 13:47) Like (29) Dislike (7) Reply
    HLSCC Lecturer you do not have a problem based on what you said. Pick something else to bitch about. The Premier said the curfew will be reviewed as we go along. We need some solidarity in this dam place once and for all.
    • Agitate, Advocate, Activate (28/04/2020, 17:03) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      If people like the lecturer do not speak out against this new normal, it will remain the new normal. Nothing is wrong with criticizing constructively and proposing and alternative view....
    • Bear (01/05/2020, 23:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agree with you willie t, don't mind people with a sheep mind. These decision makers need to take courses in Operations Management.

      8 hours 8am to 4pm would make a big difference, 1 hour to travel 8am - 9am and 3pm to 4pm. Businesses open 9am-3pm (6 hours).

      7am to 5pm if you own a business so you could set up and close down properly, or if you have to use a ferry which operates between 8am and 4pm.
  • Please! (28/04/2020, 13:52) Like (49) Dislike (7) Reply
    It is next to impossible to please all of the people all of the time.

    We have to remember that the action being taken by our government is for the good of every single one of us.
  • WELCOME (28/04/2020, 14:08) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    Welcome the new norm say thank you for the 7 hours
  • Jane (28/04/2020, 14:51) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Not that ppl complain alot even though some do but in this case lets tlk the truth as u blink its 12:30 because of the long lines u have to wait in one place at a time even before 12:30 some businesses start to close so in this case ppl have to be in town everyday
  • "Expats will leave" (28/04/2020, 14:54) Like (54) Dislike (11) Reply
    Thank god. I think its time we start wiping our own behinds and do whats right for OUR country. If most expats go home then the government will have an opportunity to bring home all the qualified locals, pay them accordingly and most importantly house them in the new vacancies. We cant keep depending on the expats...... Long Live the VIslander.
    • Road Town Rebel. (28/04/2020, 22:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Expat will leave.... NO THEY WILL NOT.
    • East Side (29/04/2020, 07:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the expats will not leave because the American Dollar is here: they can not carry their disrespectful conduct to no other country not even in the country where there are from: can you imagine our homeland security is in the hands others especially the ports of entry and police: why cant the locals be paid on the same scale because on chap made 35,000.00 each month now he run gone and no local will very get paid 35,000.00 each month. Once there is a vacancy in the system make contact with a local and offer them the job along with the same compensation given to the others, we have duly certified citizens
  • hater (28/04/2020, 14:55) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Kohn Miles. You have worries
  • Hmm (28/04/2020, 15:14) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Be grateful is not 24 hours we inside
  • Local (28/04/2020, 15:15) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    Bet is a island person complaining because them time standing in the live to send back money downisland to long and 1 pm catching up.
  • Love (28/04/2020, 15:20) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t k where you from , We do not love one another .When you love your self you love other ,Love is the answer.
  • Complaints are annoying (28/04/2020, 15:23) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is just the beginning. Obviously we cannot run like this forever. If everything runs well, then other businesses may be able to open and the time would be extended. It’s temporary, so quit picking at what you do not have and prioritize your tasks and do them. People are out here acting like they only have one day to go outside, you have all the days to do what you have to do. Stop trying to squeeze everything in one and then get frustrated and blame the government.
    • @ Complaints are annoying (28/04/2020, 15:50) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Temporary?! Lmao I guess you didn’t get the memo, this is the new regular, the new norm
  • resident (28/04/2020, 15:31) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Its a joke how can we shop or go to a bank when everything shuts down at 12 and then lines are so long because of distancing
  • Im going say it again.. (28/04/2020, 15:38) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Opening up tomorrow or opening up next its going to be the challenges we will face.. open tomorrow or next year it wont be a perfect opening. We will have to adjust and fix as we go a long.. the longer we take the deeper we sink.....Leaders need to lead and stop taking instructions from a corrupt and evil organization
  • Please! (28/04/2020, 15:49) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is next to impossible to please all of the people all of the time.

    We have to remember that the action being taken by our government is for the good of every single one of us.
  • Guest (28/04/2020, 17:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ain’t much you can do in 7 hours??? Tell that to who your spouse sleeping behind your back with.......
    • Road Town Rebel. (28/04/2020, 22:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Guest you can't even say that to who you sleep with every other night. Shees
  • Me (28/04/2020, 18:24) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can’t please all of the people all of the time. Why try?

    Thank God the decision was made for the good of all.
  • .... (28/04/2020, 19:58) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Reason why i hate ppl!!! Ya’ll complain to beeping much!! Shit
  • 007 (28/04/2020, 21:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lock them down for 24 hrs they cry. Let them out for 7 they cry. By the way you dont have to do everything in 7hrs, You got 7 hrs everyday. That's 49 hrs a week to complete what need to be done.
  • @ (28/04/2020, 22:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @007.
  • wow (28/04/2020, 22:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You get 7 hours a day before Covid for work if you take into account your lunch hour. How come nobody ain’t complain that that’s enough time to get work done. Every living thing y’all complaining about. Do or don’t do it’s a damn problem. Sick of people mehson
  • Believe it or Not (28/04/2020, 23:15) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    All this is design to keep you all dependent on the Government so that when desperation kicks in they come in like a knight in shining armour to save the day. This economy is to small and fragile to prolong these lock downs and daytime curfews. When it collapse and businesses have to layoff and close some of you all will be here singing a different tune. Imagine when more of you all will have to fight for either the Riteway or the Onemart bags. Keep praising your wonderful leader i hope it ain't over a cliff he is leading you all.
  • Big Slick Willie (29/04/2020, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey. But when will my "dancing" girls get back to work? They damn sure be awake at 6:00, prettied up, and on a pole for just a few hours. Everybody has bills to pay y'all. Judge ye not.
  • Eagle Eye (29/04/2020, 11:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When the basic human rights are bein taken away such as to breathe proper oxygen and sea water healing it simply means that it's man that is contributing to sickness then calling on god.
  • !! (29/04/2020, 15:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well, the expats need to leave, if this is going to cause them to leave, then lock it down until all, if not, mostly the ungrateful ones leave. Matter of fact, they should all ride out from now... This is going to be a while. Makes no sense to stay... Go home and make a living there. We have nothing here for you and our business and Landlords will be just fine.
  • Simple fix (29/04/2020, 19:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The first 2-3 hours of the lift most businesses are closed. The last hour or 30 mins people have to start making their way joke. So in actuality we have about 3.5 hours to get stuff done. The allotted hours will work if maybe they start the lift later when businesses open. So maybe 8am to 3pm.
  • Tea (30/04/2020, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People who are saying this 7 hours are good... please speaking for yourself... y’all are thinking bout y’all self and not others.... some people have to catch ride to get to where Dey have too go.... some cannot do what Dey have to do in this short time long lines traffic etc ... it’s different for everyone so we have to do something to make everyone good... if y’all kno y’all can do all u need in that 7 hours that’s good... jus go home after and leave the rest people dem who needs the extra time


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