Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) in a December 22, 2020, statement confirmed that the passenger arrived December 20, 2020, at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, however, was placed into quarantine pending a flight out of the VI.

Man escaped quarantine at Lambert Beach Resort

“The passenger was then transported to Wyndham Tortola (Lambert Beach Resort) where he was expected to quarantine and await the scheduled departure from the Territory on Monday, 21st December 2020.”

It was then, the man used an opportunity to escape quarantine and escape the resort, Hon Wheatley confirmed.

“I am aware that this incident has brought a level of unrest and fear to the public, especially considering the possible effects of COVID-19,” the Minister said noting that the man had tested negative for COVID-19.

Since the escape, local Immigration officers and a Joint Task Force have been collaborating to locate the escapee to no avail; Hon Wheatley telling VINO on Sunday, December 27, 2020, that the man remains at-large, “to the best of my knowledge.”

Since the escape, local Immigration officers and & Joint Task Force have been collaborating to locate escapee to no avail; Hon Wheatley telling VINO on Sunday, December 27, 2020, that the man remains at-large, 'to the best of my knowledge.'

Stiff penalties for harbouring escapees

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Cabinet had substantially increased the fines for harbouring illegal immigrants, such as a quarantine escapee.

These fines range from between three thousand dollars ($3,000) and two (2) years imprisonment to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) and ten (10) years imprisonment for a person assisting with or making arrangements for a person to enter the Territory illegally and for a person who knowingly harbours an illegal person for more than two (2) days.