When the House of Assembly convened this afternoon, July 21, members of the Opposition raised concerns over the need for more accurate information as rumours are spiraling out of control regarding the recent development where Jost Van Dyke (JVD) was placed on 24-hour lock down. It came about after a passenger arriving from BVI in St. Vincent over the weekend, tested positive for COVID-19.

Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Andrew Fahie said that he has no issue providing all the information in government’s possession to opposition members off camera, noting that they too are awaiting additional update on the ongoing issue. He said he does not want to cause undue duress to members of the public until they receive more concrete information.

He noted that some 17 persons who may have been in contact with the individual both on Jost Van Dyke and Tortola are being quarantined. He said that what bothers him is that persons are making it seem that someone did something wrong, that government went wrong somewhere.

The Premier said that government is doing all it can and continues to ask the public to adhere to the COVID-19 preventative guidelines.

Premier Fahie also asked persons to desist from portraying the person as have done something wicked, and as if COVID-19 is a death sentence.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Julian Willock, allowed the request by the Premier to have the discussions conducted in-camera but said it will be limited to 20 minutes.