Malone stated that the territory “will be opening up while others are closing down”.

The minister gave that indication in response to a local resident’s Facebook post about government’s plan for the territory’s fight against COVID-19.

“We the people of the VI tired of this nonsense. This doesn’t make sense. People are out of work or taking a severe impact on revenues,” the resident said in a Facebook post which garnered more than 100 responses and elicited a comment from Malone.

Previously, Premier Andrew Fahie said the government’s plan is for persons to get vaccinated. Since then, he has continued to urge vigilance and vaccination as tools against the spread of COVID-19.

At its peak, more than 1,600 persons had contracted COVID-19 at one stage, while there have been more than 30 COVID-related deaths, health officials said.

Health officials were also struggling to meet the demands of testing and treatment during the outbreak, and had placed calls for volunteers and retired nurses to assist.

But hundreds of businesses have been shuttered for weeks since the BVI government instituted a series of curfew orders to help combat community spread of the coronavirus which started in late June.

In the most recent curfew order that will run from August 6 to August 20, all restaurants and other similar businesses can only offer take-out service.

All hairdressing salons, barbershops, gyms, bars, clubs, entertainment establishments, waxing studios, spas and massage parlours must remain closed through to August 18, 2021.

Thanks for your patience

But a palpable frustration has seeped into several quarters, with persons, including those directly impacted by the curfew and unable to earn any monies for the last few weeks seeking answers.

Several pointed out that the BVI is at the peak of its hurricane season and hundreds are unprepared given the lack of earnings in recent weeks.

Others said the beginning of the new school year is weeks away but there’s been no indication from government on what format – whether online or in-person schooling – the new school year will take.

In his response, Malone said: “Thanks for your patience but you must admit that 1,604 active cases; 35 deaths; hospital to capacity; uncooperative night lifers … I don’t give a darn persons will call for action. We’re getting hit from all directions.“

According to the Health Minister, decisions will continue to be based in science and professional advice.