In late June 2021, the Virgin Islands began to see a spike in COVID-19 cases and some 36 persons lost their lives to the virus. Previously, only one person had died of COVID-19.

Funeral burnout

Hon Flax-Charles, speaking under ‘Other Business’ at the continuation of the 11th Sitting of the 3rd Session of the 4th House of Assembly (HoA) being held virtually today, September 9, 2021, said some mornings she was afraid to even check her WhatsApp messages for fear that there would be news of another COVID-19 related death.

“I can only imagine in recent times how it is for many families.

“I have had to attend many a funeral. I have attended 5 funerals in one weekend and I am now suffering from funeral burnout, Mr Speaker.

The 11th Sitting of the 3rd Session of the 4th House of Assembly (HoA) is being held virtually today, September 9, 2021.

‘Do the right thing’- Hon Flax-Charles

Hon Flax-Charles then proceeded to urge persons in the VI to be vigilant against the virus and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

“So I want to encourage the entire BVI population and anyone within the sound of my voice to do the right thing when it comes to following the protocols, making sure you make the right decisions when you are supposed to be following the protocols, persons that wish to be vaccinated that they do so and persons for whatever reason may not want to or cannot do so, that they ensure that they protect themselves.”

Hon Flax-Charles also congratulated the Ministry of Health and Social Development and all involved with the VI/USVI Vaccination Bubble Initiative.