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‘I had some concerns about the vaccine’ @ first- Premier Fahie

- said he got vaccinated with COVID-19 jab to set an example
Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands (VI) has said that before getting vaccinated for COVID-19, he had some concerns about the AstraZeneca jab, however, after research and assurance, he decides to take the shot out of the need to do what is right not only for his family, but for the territory. Photo: GIS/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie made the revelation while as a guest on the Saturday, April 10, 2021 episode of ‘ZOEJ Says' on JTV's Facebook page. Photo: Facebook
Premier Andrew A. Fahie made the revelation while as a guest on the Saturday, April 10, 2021 episode of ‘ZOEJ Says' on JTV's Facebook page. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands (VI), Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has revealed that before getting vaccinated for COVID-19 on February 24, 2021, he had some concerns about the AstraZeneca jab; however, after research and assurance, he decided to take the shot out of the need to do what is right for his family and the territory.

“I had some concerns about the vaccine in the beginning. I researched but I know as the Leader of the territory, you have to set an example and I did it to save my country,” Premier Fahie told talk show host Zoe J. Walcott in the Saturday, April 10, 2021 episode of ‘ZOEJ Says' streamed on JTV's Facebook page.

The Leader of Government business-related that his drive to get vaccinated was to save his family and territory and to set an example to the rest of the VI.

“I did it to save my family, I did it to save the country in terms of our education system so they could get back to school. I did it for the businesses that said, 'well I want you to re-open'.

“I did it so that I could show the others let's do this and give ourselves the best possible chance to reopen and be safe and get back our livelihoods, so that is the example that I see myself have done,” Premier Fahie said.

Gov't with not force vaccination on anyone - Premier 

The Premier reiterated that his government will not force anyone to get vaccinated; however, there was a strong urge for the people of the territory to get vaccinated.

Only about 28 per cent of the VI population received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as of April 7, 2021.

“It's simple, you have your democratic right whether to take a vaccine or not. This government is not going to put any laws in place to force you to take a vaccine; however, just like how you have a right not to take it, there are those who have a right to take it,” he said.

“I will not force anyone, this government will not bully anyone to take the vaccine… but we will strongly encourage [you] to take the vaccine because it is the most credible option, an opportunity that we have to re-strengthen our economy,” he said.

33 Responses to “‘I had some concerns about the vaccine’ @ first- Premier Fahie”

  • Make that 2 of us. (12/04/2021, 09:43) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    We are in the same boat Mr. Premier. It wasn't all about us..
    • BREAKING NEWS (13/04/2021, 07:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Published Today...another vaccine causing blood clots

      CDC and FDA recommend US pause use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns
  • Peaches (12/04/2021, 09:47) Like (104) Dislike (9) Reply
    Premier, you had concerns. Hmmm...so because you are the Premier you took the vaccine to set an example? So what if you have an underlying condition? what a position to be in. You taking it to please people even though deep down inside you know this vaccine is not good. We have to come to a point in our lives when we do things to please God and not man even if it means giving up our treasured positions and possessions.
    • @PEACHES (12/04/2021, 11:28) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
      Your theology is incorrect my Dear. It does not please God to have people do what they think is right for them (decline the vaccine) even though it hurts others in the community
      • @ @ PEACHES (12/04/2021, 16:54) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
        Thou shalt not call the name of God in vain and ah beg yo stop putting God name in your agenda
  • @PEACHES (12/04/2021, 11:31) Like (14) Dislike (43) Reply
    He did said after researching he took it. You all want the borders open but at the same time you donot want to get sick and die but you not taking the vaccinre. Grown ups acting like spoiled children complaining about everthing.
    • Peaches (12/04/2021, 12:41) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
      You are so ignorant!! The vaccine does not protect you from getting the vaccine and spreading it to others. You STILL have to wear a mask and social distance!! The only lie they can come up with is to say that you will not get sick and die??? Are they God to say who will die and who will not die? How silly! Thousands of persons got the virus and they are still alive and kicking! 95% of those that they say died from that virus did not die from the virus because the hospitals were told to put down COVID even if you die from cancer or a heart attack! You vaccinated people have been led and are being led like sheep to the slaughter! Go ahead! How can you all trust a man like Bill Gates who is behind this vaccine and who is now saying that he is making plans to block out the sun! WAKE UP SHEEP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!
      • To Peaches (12/04/2021, 14:05) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
        First, it’s not really Christian to call others ignorant. Next, yes, vaccination does (to a high percentage) prevent one from contracting Covid. And if you don’t contract Covid, you can’t spread it. If you do contract it you are far less likely to get very sick, require hospitalization, or die from it if you are vaccinated.
        Continuing to wear a mask and following other Public Health recommendations should not be considered a hardship. This pandemic would be much closer to being over if people just came together and did all the things that prevent and contain the spread of the disease.

        Being a good Christian and a good Citizen are not mutually exclusive.
        • Peaches (12/04/2021, 18:14) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
          Do you realise we have been doing well without that vaccine by wearing our masks/shield and washing hands for over a year? We only had ONE death, and the circumstances were swept under the rug very quickly. So stop the nonsense! We Caribbean people are drinking our lemon grass, aloes, tumeric, garlic, and most of all getting our good vitamin D from the sun. Yes, the sun which your vaccine mogul, Bill Gates is thinking about blocking out. Why? Because that evil human being realise that we in the Caribbean especially are thriving because of that wonderful Vitamin D God has placed in the sky! Go on, trust Bill Gates if you think he likes humanity!
      • @PEACHES (12/04/2021, 14:06) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
        You are presenting your information as facts above. You seem very certain. Please confirm your sources for the following points: 1. 95% of those they say died from the virus did not die from the virus. 2. Hospitals were told to put COVID even if you die from cancer or a heart attack. 3. Bill Gates is trying to block out the sun.....
        I find it very hard to believe that hospitals and medical professionals in hospitals in every country in the world (including here) were told to lie about a cause of death (by who you have not verified) and nobody has spoken out about this - remember, not all hospitals are government run and doctors, nurses, hospital staff ect are not politicians or big pharma with an agenda - so this message is also apparently being enforced in private facilities, and the people you are accusing of lying in this way have also had family and close friends die but again - from what you are saying they are still willing to lie about the cause of death?
        I do also find it very hard to believe that Bill Gates is trying to block out the sun. This is my personal opinion, but I would think that he perhaps understands the importance of the sun - I'm not going to go any further into this but I am sure you have verified information to back up this claim?
        In all seriousness, you are actively posting on every forum to try and DISCOURAGE people from taking the vaccine based on conspiracy theories and unverified information. This is incredibly irresponsible - please verify your statements as FACT and bring receipts if you honestly believe what you are saying is the truth. If not, it is fine that you do not want to take it and that is your choice, but lets try and stick to the truth when it comes to sharing information. Lying is a sin.
      • what (12/04/2021, 15:07) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
        Bill gates is trying to do what? Block out the sun?? Which sun not God’s sun? Let him try and see if he successful.

        This man gates believe he is some god all because he had money. He need to repent and turn to God.
      • @PEACHES (12/04/2021, 17:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
        I love this women peaches when we so call anti-vaxxers have to go out and march for our rights I’ll be right along side you
      • @PEACHES (12/04/2021, 18:37) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
        If you are going to call people ignorant, at least check your grammar before you post
    • Yep (12/04/2021, 15:12) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO TO HEAVEN, BUT NOBODY WANT TO DIE........ FIRSTLY, THEY ARE NOT VACCINES BY DEFINITION OF THE WORD, SECONDLY, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TESTED, THIRDLY THE MEDIA IS DELIBERATELY MISLEADING THE MASSES BY OVETSTATING THE NUMBER OF COVID DEATHS AND LASTLY, THE HUMAN BODY HAS ALL THE DEFENSE MECHANISMS TO FIGHT OF THIS MAN MADE DISEASE. PEOPLE HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE CONCERNED WITH EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PLANDEMIC. CONTINUE TO TRUST IN GOD!
      • To Yep (13/04/2021, 13:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Trusting in God and believing in scientific research and knowledge are not mutually exclusive!
        What you are saying is ill-informed and you are doing a disservice to God and your Community
  • unvaccinated (12/04/2021, 11:38) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    I AM NOT VOTING FOR THE VACCINATED
  • I still do have concerns (12/04/2021, 11:49) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    So Jim Jones said to drink, and we drink, because our leader set the example. I just don't understand. This particular vaccine needs to be removed from the shelf because it seems it's still in it's trail phrase, we humans being used as guinea pigs. Ain't there enough death to say, "let's roll back this vaccine and do some more research"?
    Who does it take to die in Tortola to say, yes, this is not working? And when someone who took the vaccine do die, guess what, we WILL BE TOLD, "no, it's not the vaccine, the vaccine is safe"
    I'm so maddddd to the d.

    People are dying from the vaccine. America has something they call flu vaccine. We in the caribbean get flu and cold, and we never in our entire life had to take this flu vaccine.
    Why is it everything them do, we have to follow?

    We do not need no vaccine. We are not guinea pigs. Fix the vaccine, then come again with it, or better yet, bring something that is not Chinese made, UK made, Indian made, etc.
    Done with this.

    Yes vaccine has been around for ages, yes I've taken all my vaccine as a child, but please, this 2020 vaccine is just an experiment that was not tested and observed on rats.
    Do the right thing and get back to the drawing board.
  • Real Talk (12/04/2021, 12:02) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    Very everyone who’s opposed to getting vaccinated against Covid, but is dying for the Country to open up and get the economy going, we’ll get ready. You’ve been living in a Bubble that’s about to burst.
    Please, for your neighbor and yourself, and in God’s name, get vaccinated!
  • Rubber Duck (12/04/2021, 12:18) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    We have tried reason, waste of time with some of these voodoo people.

    How about a reward for being vaccinated. Say $100 for both vaccinations

    It would be cheap really.
  • think about it (12/04/2021, 12:25) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Encouraging others to not take the Covid vaccine in order “...to please God” is tantamount to taking Lord’s name in vain.
  • The TRUTH (12/04/2021, 13:18) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    I don't care if the 12 disciples took it.
  • Eagle Eye (12/04/2021, 14:10) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can somyone tell me if the common flu is on vacation.
    • To Eagle Eye (12/04/2021, 15:04) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      No, the common flu has not been on vacation, it’s been on Covid pandemic lockdown, like the rest of us. Not getting on planes in droves and flying around the world, spreading itself out in vacation spots. And, not surprisingly, it turns out that the same masks and hand wash washing and physical distancing techniques that limit the spread of the more virulent Covid virus, work to prevent the spread of the less virulent flu viruses.
      Proving the point that proper mask wearing etc... will continue help us all while more people continue to get vaccinated
    • Doctor No (12/04/2021, 15:21) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
      Yes it is. It’s not 100% effective but has reduced flu death rates in the cold countries.
  • Arrogant (12/04/2021, 17:24) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Premier Fahie took a vaccination, in his words "I did it to save my country". What arrogance!
  • god is watching (12/04/2021, 18:22) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Arrogant imagine that! What arrogance! Let's wait and see what will happen to them when they get the second dose. I hear some of them bawling and saying that they were so sick after the first dose that they are afraid to take the second dose now. The old people say, "who don't hear will feel"
  • Thanks (12/04/2021, 23:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    For not making this vaccine mandatory.
  • Peaches is right (12/04/2021, 23:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    She’s right Bill Gates of Hell is trying to block it the sun Google it.
  • Solar Geoengineering Research Program (12/04/2021, 23:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sun filtering project.
  • ¡A telling yuh! (13/04/2021, 00:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Who Don't Hear Does Feel" Yuh deaf!!!
  • SB (13/04/2021, 07:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    No disrespect Premier I understand but I must make this comparison. My friend is a female nurse in STT and like you is not know for being in top physical shape. A little more weight than you both should have but I bet similar diets like meats seafood favorite snacks etc.

    The difference in reaction to the vaccine shot I find it unusual. For instance my nurse friend took the 1st shot and been getting her arse handed to her with all the symptoms especially fever aches down to the eyeballs hurting. An entire week until she had to go to doctor to make sure she isn't dying like wtf? Her further research revealed that A+ blood Covid attack the lungs more than other blood type. All this from the 1st shot yet you Premier whom I respect seem to not experience a thing. How Sway?
  • not me (15/04/2021, 00:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    In God I trust. He said he will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. To him I give all my GLORY. Amen


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