The Virgin Islands had witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases in the latter part of August and a few of the cases were traced to nightclubs and bars, causing them to be shut down.

In a COVID-19 update on October 7, 2020, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said bars and nightclubs approved to open their doors would have to close their businesses between 12:00 pm and 05:00 am in accordance with a new 14-day curfew, effective October 8, 2020.

Pressure ‘eased’

Speaking on his show, Honestly Speaking, on ZBVI 780AM on October 8, 2020, Mr Skelton-Cline remarked that the night life in the Virgin Islands is back on stream and that he was grateful that the Government had “eased the pressure off the people, because the pressure needs to be eased even as we seek the delicate balance between life and livelihood.”

He noted; however, that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility.

“I take note and I am an advocate for nightlife, although my personal nightlife is at the house, I am home, I am getting old now so I am no young chicken and then I am a married man so all of that stuff coupled together, but I am at peace with that but the rest of yall, who go out, you got to conduct yourselves accordingly.”

Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline explained that even though there are no reported active COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands, it does not necessarily mean the territory is COVID-19 free.

No tickets needed!

Noting that there is a Task Force that has been empowered to issue tickets to businesses and patrons in violation of COVID-19 suppression protocols, the commentator said no one needs a ticket in a time like this when money is already hard to come by.

“And a way to avoid getting a ticket is to follow the law. And so you nightlife people in the bars, in the place, bar owners, practice the social distancing, those of you in the strip club practice the social distancing.

And those of you who are gangsters in the 3rd and 4th centric circle, now during this time you got to continue to stand down. We ain’t ready for no drama, no strama.”

Mr Skelton-Cline explained that even though there are no reported active COVID-19 cases in the VI, it does not necessarily mean the territory is COVID-19 free.

He; however, applauded the work of the Andrew A. Fahie-led administration for effectively tackling the COVID-19 spike.

“But now we must maintain that status and we can only maintain that status based on how we behave.” How we conduct ourselves, we cannot afford neither life nor livelihood to have those kind of spikes in our country again.”