As the Covid-19 pandemic continued to batter the Virgin Islands economy in September 2020, Premier Andrew Fahie authorised a system of distributing stimulus grants to religious organisations and schools, he …
Covid cluster found on Virgin Gorda
A “large cluster” of Covid-19 cases was found among workers from a construction company on Virgin Gorda, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges announced on Saturday. “Regrettably, the large number …
EDITORIAL: Mental health crises are a big red flag
We were deeply troubled to hear police warn recently that mental health crises are on the rise in the territory after they rescued a hospital patient from the water in …
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Vaccinated can soon skip BVI Gateway
Starting Oct. 1, fully vaccinated travellers entering the territory will no longer have to register online through the BVI Gateway portal, Premier Andrew Fahie announced Tuesday night on Virgin Islands …
First cruise ship to arrive Oct. 7
The Norwegian Gem is scheduled to call in Tortola on Oct. 7 carrying as many as 3,130 passengers, but the government still hasn’t unveiled the details of the protocols they …
COMMENTARY — Mandatory vaccines expected for some
Mandatory vaccination makes a significant cross-section of the general public uncomfortable. However, for the Virgin Islands to participate in the worldwide travel and tourism economy, the territory must achieve herd …
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EDITORIAL: Incentives a good bet to boost vaccine pace
We are greatly relieved that the number of active Covid-19 cases has fallen rapidly in recent weeks. But this good news has also brought a shadow of concern: Following a …
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All schools allowed to bring back students
The new academic year is fast approaching, and government announced this week that all private and public schools will be permitted to have students return for in-person instruction. The recent …
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New USVI-based health services chair approved
During an emergency meeting on July 29, the House of Assembly approved the appointment of a new BVI Health Services Authority Board chairman, Moleto Smith Jr., who is based in …
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Government drafts guidelines for Covid-19 burials
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has instituted new rules for burying people who have died with Covid-19. According to the guidelines, public viewings at churches, sanctuaries or funeral …
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Active Covid cases trend downward as deaths rise to 31
After sequencing 37 samples of Covid-19 from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean Public Health Agency did not detect the highly contagious delta variant that officials had suspected was to blame …
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Premier meets with UNDP representatives
Premier Andrew Fahie met virtually with United Nations Development Programme officials this month to discuss continued collaboration between the Virgin Islands and the UNDP on Covid-19 response, sustainable development, resilience …
EDITORIAL: Vaccine drive is a good move
The evidence is clear. Covid-19 vaccinations save lives, and they probably could have prevented most, if not all, of the tragic deaths from the disease the territory has seen so …
Government pushes vaccination drive as territory records 23 Covid-19 deaths
The Covid-19 outbreak in the Virgin Islands shows few signs of slowing down, with at least 19 people dead over the past nine days and health workers struggling to respond …
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Businesses fear labour shortage
Seeing the United States, including the neighbouring US Virgin Islands, experience a labour shortage as pandemic restrictions ease, businesses owners who spoke during a BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel …
‘Digital nomads’ bring millions to region through remote work
In the 10 months after the One Year Barbados visa for remote work launched, it processed some 2,500 applications, earned $6 million for government coffers, and raked in at least …
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VG graduation postponed amid Covid spike
The Bregado Flax Educational Centre’s Secondary Division postponed its graduation ceremony from July 2 to July 15 because of the Covid-19 outbreak. “Please note that in light of recent possible …
EDITORIAL: Outbreak is deadly, vaccinations urgent
With Covid-19 cases spiking to dramatic record highs in recent days, the territory is facing a national health emergency. To keep the community safe, everyone must work together. The first …
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After months of calm, Covid cases explode
Last week, the known active cases of Covid-19 in the Virgin Islands exploded to record highs, climbing from 13 on June 28 to 821 today as the outbreak spread into …
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First VI Day celebrated quietly
With Virgin Islandsthemed balloons decorating tables, the territorial song playing from speakers, tarts and guavaberry rum being shared, and employees sporting T-shirts with popular sayings like “One hand can’t clap,” …
EDITORIAL: Big up the auditor general for stimulus report
We have reported extensively about the injustice and egregious lack of transparency surrounding the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus package. The reality, it seems, is even worse than we thought. Our …
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Active Covid-19 cases in the Virgin Islands jump to 13
On Monday, government reported 13 known active cases of Covid-19, up from two on June 15, and contact tracing efforts got under way even as officials prepared to welcome the …
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EDITORIAL: Class of 2021 overcame many challenges
Kudos to all of the season’s graduates. They have survived three tumultuous school years, and now they are walking the stage into a time of remarkable uncertainty. The good news …
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Quarantine lifted for vaccinated travellers
As the flow of visitors into the Virgin Islands continues to grow, Premier Andrew Fahie announced on Tuesday that fully vaccinated people will now be able to enter the territory …
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In inquiry, ex-top cop Matthews slams barge plan
During a hearing before the Commission of Inquiry last month, former Police Commissioner Michael Matthews slammed the government’s decision to rent three barges to help patrol the territory’s borders in …
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