This was revealed by Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) during a community meeting held by Government on Virgin Gorda on Saturday, January 16, 2021.

Hon Flax-Charles was at the time urging residents, especially in the Virgin Gorda communities, to not be afraid to insist that tourists wear their masks where and when required.

According to Hon Flax-Charles, at least one tourist has reported the VI Government to the US Embassy, claiming the territory’s mandatory quarantine for tourists infringed upon their rights.

"And that is not right. We need to make sure that we stay safe, healthy and alive," Hon Flax-Charles stated, as she reminded that the world is still in a pandemic because of COVID-19 and that it remains very important for everyone to strictly follow the protocols set out by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Health.

Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles has urged residents, especially in the Virgin Gorda communities, to not be afraid to insist that tourists wear their masks where and when required.

‘Keep the tourists in line’

"Yes we are a service industry, Virgin Gorda is mainly tourism, but you have to keep the tourists in line and make sure that they, as all residents, follow the protocols. Do not be afraid to say to a visitor that you see not wearing a mask in public, you have to tell them, it makes a big difference…

"We have to make sure that they do it. There are lots of them that are very wealthy and feel that we cannot tell them what to do, but we have to tell them what to do because that can cause our death," Hon Flax-Charles reasoned.