As the proposed December 1st re-entry date quickly approaches, many persons within the BVI and abroad are anxious in the absence of the highly requested re-entry protocols that were scheduled to be rolled out by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
By the proposed December 1st date, the BVI borders would have been closed for 8 months and 1 week. During that time many businesses struggled to keep doors open due to the inter-connection of the hospitality and business industries which were severely impacted by the pandemic.
While Government’s Economic Stimulus plan sought to provide aid, the assistance couldn’t redeem the true magnitude of losses endure by businesses. Many of the businesses approved for grants are yet to receive their cash under the Social Security Board system.
Hospitality-related business in particular have taken a major hit with many calling for the speedy reopening of the borders. One premier hotelier in particular said they have seen a cancellation of at least $50,000 in bookings due to guests not being able to confirm reopening protocols.
On September 21st, 2020, the Government in collaboration the BVI Tourist board under a newly re-branded tourism tagline “BVI LOVE” announced that the borders will reopen for tourists on December 1st, 2020. However, no protocols were laid out in that press conference.
On October 6th, during a meeting with large hotels, private islands and resorts, the Premier announced that visitors will need to quarantine for 4-days and be tested prior to travelling, upon arrival and once again at the end of the quarantine period to be deemed covid-free.
He further stated that incoming tourists will be required to download a Government curated app, in accordance with IATA standards, to submit their negative test results and other pertinent information before local bookings can be made. Premier Fahie also proposed that all tourists will be mandated to wear a wristlet that will alert local health authorities about their whereabouts and ensure that guests abide by the quarantine rules. All these protocols were subject to the approval of Cabinet.
On October 9th during an exclusive interview with Jovan Wilson of 284 media, the Premier revealed that while these measures are being proposed, he is still willing to revise protocols to ensure that it is in the best decision for all involved. He Premier said confirmation on all the proposed protocols would come by the following week which ended on October 16th. That did not materialize.
During a ZBVI radio interview on October 15th, Premier Fahie said “for sure no later than the following Thursday”, which would have been by October 22nd. However, the public was further notified on October 22nd that protocols will be announced officially, today October 26th.
When contacted by our newsroom today, Honorable Fahie said the Government will update the public on protocols LIVE tonight at 8pm sharp.
Despite heavy criticisms on the proposed 4-day quarantine, the Premier Fahie recently said that he will not be pressured into changing it.
Premier Fahie said “we try to put in the measures to allow for less days but whether persons wanna hear it or not, the more days that you reduce, the more percentage of having a higher probability of persons landing and leaving positive is high. That’s nothing I am making up, that’s a reality.”
“So now we have to decide what is the greatest risk that we can take and manage that can give us the least amount or none, and if it is so, how do we get it in a controlled area until the incubation period of the virus has passed and we can test and make sure that your staff is safe, your children, you are safe, your employees are safe to make sure that the whole territory is safe,” the Premier further added during a public meeting hosted last Thursday in Jos Van Dyke.
The Minister of Health, Honorable Carvin Malone also supported the notion, adding that it is the best decision for the territory considering health-related research.