Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

'Evidence shows Govt’s COVID-19 protocols are effective' – Premier Fahie

- said other countries in the region have paid the price for opening up their borders too early & easing restrictions
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a January 30, 2021, statement at Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground says despite the global tussle regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, VI’s strategies continue to serve the territory well. Photo: VINO/File
Despite the success, however, Premier Fahie acknowledged the challenges and opportunity cost that came as a result of the policies to combat the virus. Photo: Internet Source
Despite the success, however, Premier Fahie acknowledged the challenges and opportunity cost that came as a result of the policies to combat the virus. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said despite the global tussle regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, the Virgin Islands' strategies continue to serve the territory well.

“The evidence shows that the protocols that your Government has put in place, with the guidance of our professionals at the Ministry of Health and other agencies, are quite effective so far,” he said during his Annual First District Report at Cappoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on January 30, 2021.

Tourism picking up

Hon Fahie continued, “Air arrivals are picking up and we are optimistic that – based on the COVID-19 situation, which is still very fluid - once the time comes for sea borders to reopen, then tourism will continue to pick up even further.”

Despite the success; however, Premier Fahie acknowledged the challenges and cost that came as a result of the policies to combat the virus.

“It was tough on everyone, but we can safely say that with God’s help, we were able to save a lot of lives here in the BVI, and to prevent a lot of people from getting sick with COVID-19.

“It was a difficult time for our business owners and their employees, but we were able to save the economy from complete collapse,” he said.

Regional countries struggling in pandemic

Speaking to critics who have tried to pressure his government to ease back on restrictions, including on tourism, Hon Fahie said many countries have been in and out of lockdowns, “Every time they begin opening up they get outbreaks, people die and they have to shut down again.

“They are scrambling to get a handle on their situation. They are closing their borders once again. They are sending their people back into lockdown. But, thanks be to God, in the BVI we began gradually reopening businesses since around June and we have progressed to reopen our borders for visitors to come in,” the Premier said.

He noted that while the situation and the pandemic remain fluid, new variants of the virus means the territory must now be vigilant and cautious.

10 Responses to “'Evidence shows Govt’s COVID-19 protocols are effective' – Premier Fahie”

  • The Balance (03/02/2021, 10:00) Like (11) Dislike (17) Reply
    Leaders find that balance between health and the economy , So, we dont have no balance because everything is about covid, while the economy sinks, opening of Sea Port cant even be executed, everytime, reopening get put off,,, Clearly there is no balance,, Now when leadership competence becomes a question, cant blame anyone..
  • tretretrete (03/02/2021, 10:02) Like (41) Dislike (29) Reply
    Look are Still Thomas, booming tourist economy taking most of our yachting business. Yes they have cases but the health service is not being overrun and they are doing really well. While we have more people every week living in cars and unable to feed their families. It’s a fine balancing act but the long term repercussions will hurt us badly.
  • Windy (03/02/2021, 10:06) Like (44) Dislike (23) Reply
    Premier you are correct while everywhere is closing the bvi stands tall the vip has earned their 4 more years
  • Real Talk (03/02/2021, 10:07) Like (38) Dislike (7) Reply
    Thanks be to God for guiding this government with putting the necessary protocols in place to keep this deadly virus out of the country. Our lives really matters.
  • Peaches (03/02/2021, 10:57) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier, can you breathe in that mask? Be careful. People like to say, wear mask, wear mask, but some people better off wearing a shield because these masks will cause serious health issues in the long run. You ought to be able to let out that Co2!
  • What? (03/02/2021, 13:02) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    What about the vaccines? are they sitting on the dock at port?
  • Grand Risings (03/02/2021, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
    Indeed the protocols are working as designed and this is great. The challenge we have is the effective management of same as well as the communication mechanism.
  • akon (03/02/2021, 13:54) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    From you is a pastor or politician you are far from reality
  • Slap on the back? (03/02/2021, 14:43) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply

    The Premier is scraping around trying to find something deserving of praise.

  • ccc (03/02/2021, 14:53) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    that's why you see I elected back the VIP they have done us well


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.