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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COMMENTARY — ‘Seven stages of coronavirus’
Public reaction to the sudden and drastic change from the new coronavirus pandemic is worthy of assessment. The pandemic has had a major impact on public psychology in every country …
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COMMENTARY — Residents warned to use sanitisers safely
As a former power walker, I sympathise with the runners who are now allowed to exercise outdoors but are expected to wear face masks that obstruct their breathing. However, recent …
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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 …
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, …
Caribbean e-commerce gets a boost from Covid
The coronavirus lockdowns have highlighted the Caribbean’s struggles to implement e-commerce solutions, but they have also presented an opportunity for innovation, according to a Zoom panel made up of owners …
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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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BVIOC prez talks sports during pandemic
BVI Olympic Committee President Ephraim Penn recently answered some questions about how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting sports in the territory and its Olympians. Below are his responses. When do …
COMMENTARY — Residents urged to handle sanitisers, wipes with care
I recently read the subtitles on a video as a bright young girl led viewers round her refugee camp. She took us to a communal standpipe, filled a small jerrycan …
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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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In trying times, restaurants rally
The restaurant industry, which has been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, is struggling back to life as the economy reopens. But even as takeout and delivery becomes ubiquitous throughout …
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 …
Seniors struggling in the pandemic
While Judith Charles was distributing bags of supplies in Carrot Bay during the recent lockdown, she met a senior who was planning to violate the curfew to go fishing when …
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. …
Looking ahead in sports
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley spoke to the Beacon on Tuesday about the fate of sports in the territory admist the Covid-19 pandemic. When …
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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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 …