Beautiful Virgin Islands

Monday, Aug 04, 2025

Imprisonment or thousands in fines for persons who breach new quarantine law

Imprisonment or thousands in fines for persons who breach new quarantine law

Residents of the British Virgin Islands who fail to comply with the government-imposed quarantine could now be fined thousands of dollars in a court of law or be sent to prison for up to 12 months.

Health Minister Carvin Malone gave that indication during Friday’s emergency session of the House of Assembly while introducing the new COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act of 2020.

He said the court could fine perpetrators “up to 5,000” along with a custodial sentence upon summary (Magistrate’s Court) conviction.


We prefer to fine culprits

Malone explained that while the term of imprisonment is attached for the court’s consideration, a special prison would have to be constructed, specifically to enable these persons to serve their time.


“We would rather the money. We will do everything to collect the $5,000” the minister said.

He explained that if someone is suspected of having a virus such as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), placing them at a facility like Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut would be a breeding ground for the virus which would, effectively, defeat the purpose of quarantining.


Increased powers to order mandatory quarantine

The COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act also gives the Minister of Health the power to order persons entering the BVI from countries impacted by the virus to quarantine for two weeks.

“Clause Two will determine whether such persons will be quarantined at their residence or at any government-appointed quarantine facility,” Malone explained.

Prior to the introduction of this Act -which passed in the House Friday night, March 27 -the law only allowed for authorities to enforce a quarantine order if a person tested positive for the virus.

Malone said this limitation affected government’s ability to impose a ‘mandatory quarantine’ order for suspected COVID-19 cases because persons had the legal freedom do decline being quarantined.


Power to restrict ferry operations

The Act, in the meantime, also now has provisions to restrict ferries and commercial vessels during a pandemic.

At least two opposition legislators including the Leader of Opposition, Marlon Penn, publicly expressed support for the Act. The other was Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.

Turnbull said he had no choice but to support because of the seriousness of COVID-19 while Penn stated that it was unfortunate that laws like these have to be passed to protect residents.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Pilots Call for Mental Health Support Without Stigma
All Five Trapped Miners Found Dead After El Teniente Mine Collapse
Ong Beng Seng Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case Linked to Former Singapore Transport Minister
BP’s Largest Oil and Gas Find in 25 Years Uncovered Offshore Brazil
Italy Fines Shein One Million Euros for Misleading Sustainability Claims
JPMorgan and Coinbase Unveil Partnership to Let Chase Cardholders Buy Crypto Directly
Declassified Annex Links Soros‑Affiliated Officials and Clinton Campaign to ‘Russiagate’ Narrative
UK's Online Safety Law: A Front for Censorship
Nationwide Protests Erupt in Brazil Demanding Presidential Resignation
Parents Abandon Child at Barcelona Airport Over Passport Issue
Mystery Surrounds Death of Brazilian Woman with iPhones Glued to Her Body
Bus Driver Discovers Toddler Hidden in Suitcase in New Zealand
Switzerland Celebrates 734 Years of Independence Amid Global Changes
U.S. Opens Official Investigation into Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith
Leaked audio of Canada's new PM Mark Carney admitting the truth about the Net Zero agenda: "We're gonna make a lot of money off of this."
China Enforces Comprehensive Ban on Cryptocurrency Activities
Absolutely 100% Realistic EVO Series Doll by EXDOLL (Chinese Company) used mainly for carnal purposes
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab: "In this new world, we must accept... total transparency. You have to get used to it. You have to behave accordingly. But if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't be afraid."
Meet Mufti Hamid Patel, head of Office for Standards in Education in Pakistan
George Soros tells the World Economic Forum: "President Trump is a con man and the ultimate narcissist, who wants the world to revolve around him."
Hamas are STARVING the hostages.
Decline in Tourism in Majorca Amidst Ongoing Anti-Tourism Protests
British Tourist Dies Following Hair Transplant in Turkey, Police Investigate
Poland Begins Excavation at Dziemiany After New Clue to World War II‑Era Nazi Treasure
WhatsApp Users Targeted in New Scam Involving Account Takeovers
Trump Threatens Canada with Tariffs Over Palestinian State Recognition
Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines After Threats from Former Russian President Medvedev
Trump Sues Murdoch in “Heavyweight Bout”: Lawsuit Over Alleged Epstein Letter Sets Stage for Courtroom Showdown
Germany Enters Fiscal Crisis as Cabinet Approves €174 Billion in New Debt
Trump Administration Finalizes Broad Tariff Increases on Global Trade Partners
J.K. Rowling Limits Public Engagements Citing Safety Fears
JD.com Launches €2.2 Billion Bid for German Electronics Retailer Ceconomy
Azerbaijan Proceeds with Plan to Legalise Casinos on Artificial Islands
Former Judge Charged After Drunk Driving Crash Kills Comedian in Brazil
Jeff Bezos hasn’t paid a dollar in taxes for decades. He makes billions and pays $0 in taxes, LEGALLY
China Increases Use of Exit Bans Amid Rising U.S. Tensions
IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast as Weaker Dollar Supports Outlook
Procter & Gamble to Raise U.S. Prices to Offset One‑Billion‑Dollar Tariff Cost
House Republicans Move to Defund OECD Over Global Tax Dispute
Botswana Seeks Controlling Stake in De Beers as Anglo American Prepares Exit
Trump Administration Proposes Repeal of Obama‑Era Endangerment Finding, Dismantling Regulatory Basis for CO₂ Emissions Limits
France Opens Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation Allegations
A family has been arrested in the UK for displaying the British flag
Mel Gibson refuses to work with Robert De Niro, saying, "Keep that woke clown away from me."
Trump Steamrolls EU in Landmark Trade Win: US–EU Trade Deal Imposes 15% Tariff on European Imports
ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman says people share personal info with ChatGPT but don’t know chats can be used as court evidence in legal cases.
The British propaganda channel BBC News lies again.
Deputy attorney general's second day of meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell has concluded
Controversial March in Switzerland Features Men Dressed in Nazi Uniforms
Politics is a good business: Barack Obama’s Reported Net Worth Growth, 1990–2025
×