Though hurricane season is nothing new to most Virgin Islands residents, preparation work for it may look quite different this year. Governor Gus Jaspert offered a reminder that although the …
Caribbean islands prepare for tourism
When the doors of the Virgin Islands reopen to tourism, the territory’s leaders say, they intend to be ready. Some competing countries and territories in the region have announced plans …
Governor urges residents to keep up Covid-19 safety measures
Five days before government announced Tuesday that there are no more known active cases of Covid-19 in the territory, Governor Gus Jaspert called on Virgin Islands residents to remain vigilant …
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Premier, governor trade jabs over Protocols
“How much money do we allow for Covid-19?” Premier Andrew Fahie asked last Thursday during a press conference. “That, no one can answer. How much are we going to put …
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Cops: 153 residents caught breaking curfew
Police have caught at least 153 people breaking the curfew since it was first imposed by government on March 27 to restrict residents’ movements and stymy the spread of Covid-19 …
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How to communicate in a pandemic
Circumstances have changed dramatically for Virgin Islands businesses in recent weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some may have gone from encouraging employees to work from home to shutting down …
Worship in the time of Covid-19
Sunday, May 10, was the first day leaders at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church were allowed to return to the sanctuary, and Pastor Dr. Michael Turnbull said their reunion …
What the opposition wants: an economic stimulus plan
The below list breaks down the main initiatives proposed this week by the opposition as an economic stimulus package to help the territory weather the coronavirus pandemic. 1. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS …
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Opposition proposes stimulus package
Opposition members criticised the government on Monday for delaying an economic stimulus package and they proposed a plan of their own, but Premier Andrew Fahie clapped back the next day, …
Experts advise looking abroad for ideas on reopening
As the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean nations consider how to re-open their borders following the coronavirus pandemic, they could find helpful examples and cautionary tales in other island nations …
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Drop in Covid-19 numbers boosts the reopening
With only one confirmed case of Covid-19 still active in the Virgin Islands, residents are progressing toward a more familiar way of living in the territory. From her stand near …
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Sister islands hard hit by tourism closure
During a normal tourism season on Anegada, Liston Potter’s restaurant Potter’s by the Sea is a popular hangout. But like other hospitality businesses, it was shut down by the coronavirus …
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Stimulus rollout delayed further
After nearly two months of delays in launching a comprehensive economic stimulus package to help the territory through the coronavirus pandemic, Premier Andrew Fahie promised again on Tuesday afternoon that …
Guv: Fiscal protocols aren’t blocking Covid stimulus
Amid growing calls for a comprehensive economic stimulus package to help the territory weather the coronavirus pandemic, Premier Andrew Fahie has blamed the delays largely on the restrictions included in …
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Deputy premier confirms 8th Covid-19 case
Deputy Premier Carvin Malone announced Thursday evening that the Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed an eighth case of Covid-19 in the Virgin Islands. The case is now the only active …
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Beaches and more businesses reopen
On Tuesday afternoon, Premier Andrew Fahie presided over his first coronavirus press conference since March 24, fielding questions from the media and reminding residents that “freedom” is in their “own …
The coronavirus response, behind the scenes
During the coronavirus pandemic, Virgin Islands residents have become accustomed to checking Facebook for live updates from Premier Andrew Fahie, Governor Gus Jaspert, and Deputy Premier Carvin Malone. The trio …
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Volunteers’ work is never done
Throughout the recent lockdown, the newly formed group HandsFree BVI distributed diapers, food and other aid to needy residents. But as the economy starts reopening, the volunteers’ work isn’t done. …
Beaches to open Sunday, but bars, hotels to stay closed
Beaches throughout the territory will reopen on Sunday, but large gatherings will continue to be prohibited, government leaders announced Friday during a live Facebook broadcast that included Premier Andrew Fahie, …
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7th Covid case logged, but curfew to ease
The Virgin Islands confirmed another case of Covid-19 on Tuesday as the territory continued to ease the restrictions that have shuttered the economy, expanding the list of businesses allowed to …
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EDITORIAL: Press conferences needed as Covid questions go unanswered
On March 17, Premier Andrew Fahie and Deputy Premier Carvin Malone promised to keep the public informed about the coronavirus pandemic by holding weekly press conferences on the topic and …
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Branson offers Necker as collateral
Sir Richard Branson wants a $500 million bailout for Virgin Atlantic from the United Kingdom government, and after the request drew criticism he offered up Necker Island as collateral. “Over …
Coping with Covid-19 anxiety
A recent video chat about mental health started off with reassurances that feelings of anxiety are normal, and an invitation to virtually join the moderator in enjoying a calming mug …
77 businesses report 683 layoffs, but many more likely
As of Sunday, 77 businesses had responded to the government’s call to report personnel changes resulting from the recent economic restrictions enacted to curtail the spread of Covid-19 in the …
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‘I think I had it’: After cruise-ship calls, negative Covid test raises doubts
A Tortola resident tested negative for Covid-19 last month, but she strongly suspects she had the disease because of the symptoms she and two co-workers suffered after interacting with passengers …
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