Following hundreds of Covid-19 tests that skyrocketed the Virgin Islands’ tally of confirmed cases over the past three weeks, government announced on Tuesday that 111 people had all tested negative …
September 11, 2020
September 11, 2020
Boarded windows and no electricity
When Hurricane Irma tore through the Virgin Islands three years ago, it took the windows and roof of Benito Fulgencio’s home of 22 years. Without any government assistance, Mr. Fulgencio …
September 4, 2020
Beefed up border patrol nabs boat
Six days after government announced a new border control task force composed of immigration, customs and police officers, the unit on Sunday tracked and intercepted a vessel that had entered …
September 4, 2020
Man remanded after illegal entry charge
Aubrey Daniels, a 59-year-old belonger who was arrested Monday following an anonymous tip and charged with illegal entry and providing false information to the police, pleaded not guilty to all …
September 4, 2020
‘Manage It’ phase in effect as Covid spikes
Twenty-one more cases of Covid-19 have been detected throughout the territory in the past seven days, briefly shutting down two police stations after officers tested positive and prompting leaders to …
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September 3, 2020
Border relaxation coincides with Covid spike
While the Virgin Islands moves to the orange “Manage It” phase of its pandemic plan as a result of increased Covid-19 transmission in the community, Tuesday also marked the first …
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September 3, 2020
Inside government’s pandemic strategy (FULL PLAN)
As new Covid-19 cases spike across the Virgin Islands and strict controls on movement are reinstated, residents have asked whether government leaders have been using a plan to guide their …
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September 1, 2020
Government launches mental health campaign
In an attempt to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support in the Virgin Islands amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new educational campaign launched with a virtual meeting broadcast last Thursday …
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September 1, 2020
HOA approves reshuffle of 2020 budget
Because of government revenue losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Assembly recently decided to adjust the 2020 budget, approving $77 million in extra spending and shuffling tens of …
August 27, 2020
Active Covid cases spike to record high
Ten days ago, the Virgin Islands was being lauded as an example in the fight against Covid-19. There were no known active cases, the curfew had just been lifted, and …
August 8, 2020
Ninth case confirmed, expats still barred
After a ninth Covid-19 case was announced in the territory on Aug. 1, residents angrily debated government’s subsequent announcement that it would continue blocking expatriates stranded abroad from returning to …
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July 16, 2020
622 people tested for Covid-19 so far
More than two months have passed since the last confirmed case of Covid-19 in the territory was announced on May 14, though testing and the return of nationals has not …
July 9, 2020
Business grant applications are still not available
Government initially promised that applications for business grants from a $6.5 million fund aimed at alleviating financial hardships due to Covid-19 would be available on June 15, but as of …
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July 9, 2020
Paid testing extended to travellers
The BVI Health Services Authority is expanding Covid-19 testing to include people needing a test for travel or elective procedures, but at a cost that was not disclosed. Residents who …
July 9, 2020
Social life, parties returning to islands
For John Paul, a waiter at Marche in Trellis Bay, life during the Covid-19 pandemic will take some adjusting, but business is looking up. Hours before a full moon party …
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July 8, 2020
Experts weigh in on EU, Covid-19
The global Covid-19 crisis is slowing the ongoing implementation of “economic substance” rules that affect international financial centres, but this delay may result in a more considered strategy and rollout, …
July 7, 2020
After wife’s Covid death, widower left with questions
When Deputy Premier Carvin Malone announced on April 16 that a patient at Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital had tested positive locally for Covid-19, he implied that she had waited too …
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July 6, 2020
UNDP: Cash grants could help Virgin Islands through pandemic
To get through the Covid-19 pandemic, the government should consider providing cash grants under a system modelled on the Financial Assistance Programme rolled out after Hurricane Irma, according to a …
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July 2, 2020
Two tested early for Covid, results negative
The Virgin Islands remains free of known active cases of Covid-19 in spite of concerns aired in recent days about possible infection among returnees, but the pandemic is not slowing …
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June 30, 2020
Government spent nearly $1m to provide free water
Government spent $949,024.81 to provide free water to residents between March 19 and June 1, Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister Kye Rymer said on Friday in the House of Assembly. …
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June 25, 2020
6,000 apply for unemployment aid
Since the Social Security Board started processing applications for unemployment relief on June 2, 94 people have received a total of $176,107.74 from the temporary programme funded by a $10 …
June 25, 2020
Work-permit holders to foot quarantine bills
Government is dishing out $2.4 million to contract quarantine facilities for returning nationals and permanent residents until Sept. 14, but work-permit holders will have to pay for their own quarantine …
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June 18, 2020
95 test negative in improved Covid-19 lab
Ninety-five tests have been conducted at the recently improved Covid-19 lab in the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, and all returned negative, Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone announced last …
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June 11, 2020
New stimulus gets mixed reviews
Last week, government began rolling out several initiatives under the “second phase” of its Economic Response Plan to Covid-19, but questions remain about whether the package is helping people in …
June 11, 2020
New fund allows tax-exempt donations for Virgin Islands
Government is working with private-sector partners to re-establish a fund that leaders say will now be used to solicit donations to “alleviate poverty and suffering” in the territory. Last Thursday, …
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