'It hurts my heart' to take unfavourable measures - Premier Fahie
The Premier, along with Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), was at the time speaking at the latest in a series of weekly COVID-19 press conferences, last evening, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in the boardroom of the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA).
“I want to say that I know a lot of the measures that have been taken are ones that have not been met with favour by everyone and it hurts my heart sometimes to make some of them because we know that businesses will be affected, but that’s not unique to us,” Premier Fahie said.
Tough decisions being made
He continued, “But we are trying our best to be preventative, we are trying our best to make sure that we keep the coronavirus out from our shores,” he said.
On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the government through a cabined endorsed decision closed all air and seaports to inbound passengers at 11:59 pm, affecting both nationals and non-nationals looking to enter the Territory.
This move has since sparked a number of concerns since there are a number of Virgin Islanders, Belongers and other residents who are abroad and unable to return to the Territory.
Following questions from the media about the decision to lock people out the Territory, the Premier said it was not an easy one but he understands the plight, since he too had to make the decision to lock his children out the Territory and leave them in a COVID-19 zone, in the interest of public safety.
Hon Fahie noted; however, that if a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the VI, the Territory should find comfort in knowing that the plans are there and the facilities are in place to cope with it as much as possible.
No country has all the resources - Hon Fahie
“But the truth be told, there exists no country no territory, that will have all the resources to handle a full territory or countrywide outbreak. So the key here is prevention and the key here is, if a case is confirmed, to ensure that is contained so it doesn't spread,” he said.
The Premer reiterated that all businesses, including religious organisations must operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm until Friday, April 17, 2020, as stipulated by Cabinet in accordance with section 15 of the Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194).
He said measures will also be put in place for persons who ignore the stipulations–thus endangering others–to be dealt with accordingly; however, he noted that the majority of the population are adhering to the government-imposed restrictions.
17 Responses to “'It hurts my heart' to take unfavourable measures - Premier Fahie”
P.S if your woke just remember it was suppose to go like this, everything in the great book has to unfold and this deception for world control is part of it ! Peace and be safe it’s gonna be a rough ride
I know these things will
N must come to pass as mentioned numerous times in the Bible
First of all. You, Mr. Hon. Andrew Fahie, should’ve closed the ports from time there were 2 cases in the USVI and down island 2 WEEKS ago. whether or not this virus has touched our shores, let’s not forget the USVI and the other Easter Caribbean islands are our neighbors. If anything were to happen, we would more than likely get involved (common sense).
Secondly, you should’ve already started fore planed on taking measures from time that this VIRUS started contaminating other regions. Eg. Temporarily close the cruise Pierre, where passengers from abroad are coming down here to visit our naturally beautiful paradise.
I suggest that we extend the suspension of ports and declare an island wide quarantine, for the sake of the safety of us. If you feel like my suggestion is stupid, feel free to think so. I hope ahu have a plan on preventing this virus from consuming the island. Because I am not going to work after getting released from the hospital after thinking that I got the virus when it was just a flu, even if it drive me to the extent of getting fired.
Generally speaking now.
We had 3 mistaken cases of Corona virus from the beginning. Some of us as BVIslanders are taking this for a joke. I hope ahu keep that energy up when this virus became serious to the extent where 2/3 of our population became contaminated.
I rest my case. Ahu decide for yourself yuh hear. Iss every man for themself.
Take care BVI.