Premier Fahie also added that persons who are hesitant about the jabs consider their economic survival and the protection of their family and friends.

“Persons ask ‘why don’t we open up more?’. Well, vaccines. Come and get vaccinated and we’ll open up faster. Persons ask ‘why don’t we do more with the economy?’ No problem, get vaccinated and we could move the economy even faster,” Premier Fahie urged while speaking at a March 17 press conference after the arrival of this new UK shipment.

The arrival means the BVI has received 20,000 vaccines from the UK. To date, the territory has vaccinated some 6,500 persons — the majority being frontline workers.

Vaccination is not mandatory but authorities strongly encourage persons to get inoculated as vaccination is seen as the world’s best chance of restoring normalcy.

The vaccines are also being touted as the only hope for the BVI that is currently missing vital cash injection into its economy due to the closure of its seaports — the main points of entry for tourists.

Even with the vaccines, many people have hailed the Fahie administration for closing the borders and prioritizing the health of the community. However, some say a balance should have been made between health and the economy as the extended closure of the borders have led to significant economic damage.