The picture of how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the Virgin Islands workforce became a bit clearer last week. As more businesses responded to government’s request for information, 337 companies …
EDITORIAL: The good, bad and ugly of the economic stimulus
After months of delays, in late May the government finally unveiled a comprehensive economic stimulus package designed to help the territory through the coronavirus pandemic. We are glad that leaders …
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86 return to territory in eight days
During a sunny and breezy Sunday, beachgoers crowded Cane Garden Bay, sipping cold drinks and relaxing on beach chairs. No one wore a face mask. But as 5 p.m. approached, …
$62.9m stimulus package unveiled
Long-anticipated stimulus measures to boost the economy and mitigate the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were unveiled last week in the form of a $62.9 million package funded mostly …
Border re-opens to nationals, permanent residents
Christi Maddox, owner of Villas Virgin Gorda, already has confirmed one booking for a staycation in Virgin Gorda, and she has fielded four inquiries since Monday. “We are just waiting …
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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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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. …
‘I packed 300 food bags for aid effort’
At 11:30 p.m. last Thursday night, I tied my sneakers and walked out in the empty street with a mask already on my face. Waiting at the corner was my …
Premier: Stimulus ‘template’ approved
A “template” of an economic stimulus plan has been approved by the Cabinet and will be presented to the public soon, Premier Andrew Fahie promised on Saturday. Though he stopped …
COMMENTARY — ‘Seven years of famine’ predicted
The coronavirus pandemic will usher in a post-globalisation world order. It will bring greater regional integration and a whole new travel protocol that adds a robust layer of medical scrutiny, …
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Woman hospitalised after positive Covid-19 result
A woman has been isolated in the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 locally, and seven of her “primary contacts” have been quarantined in another location, Deputy …
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Residents get creative, stay social online
Christian MacDonald is showing residents how to build cocktails without professional equipment, and he’s doing it 100 percent remotely. “I decided that since there’s no work to be had, I …
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Cuban medical personnel on the way to the territory
In an effort to source medical assistance with the coronavirus response, the Virgin Islands has reached out internationally, and 30 medical personnel are coming soon from Cuba, according to Premier …
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Expert: Current curfew is probably not enough
A six-day, 24-hour lockdown of the territory began Friday night after officials announced the first two confirmed cases of COVID- 19 in the territory, but even with an additional two-week …
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Curfew extended as 3rd case confirmed
Three days after the third COVID-19 case was confirmed in the territory, a 14-day extension of an initial six-day curfew began yesterday with exceptions for limited travel to groceries, pharmacies, …
EDITORIAL: Economic stimulus package needed now
As the coronavirus pandemic reaches these shores and the economy tanks here and abroad, we were glad to hear Premier Andrew Fahie promise last week that his government plans to …
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UK promises medical support during pandemic
Officials from the United Kingdom have said that the UK is procuring medical equipment and support for each of its overseas territories, including the Virgin Islands, during the coronavirus pandemic. …
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Coronavirus confirmed in the Virgin Islands, curfew in effect
The government announced the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in the Virgin Islands yesterday as nearly 5,000 viewers tuned in to a Facebook livestream. Hours later, a territory-wide …
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Tortola travellers took flight linked to COVID-19 cases
Though no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Virgin Islands, government officials here were working early this week to track down passengers who shared a plane from London …
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Opposition called for stronger response
The day before government ministers announced wide-ranging plans to ramp up the COVID-19 response, opposition members urged them to do just that. “We have to ensure that on every single …
Virgin Islands readies for COVID-19
No COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the territory as of yesterday afternoon, but at least 22 people were under quarantine and the government announced plans on Tuesday to close …
COVID-19 declared a pandemic
Though no cases of COVID-19 coronavirus have been confirmed in the Virgin Islands, government continues to take precautionary measures that include preparing a wing of the hospital as an isolation …