In a letter dated May 5, 2021 and written by Christina Yates, the founder of the group, she told staff that they now have a choice to either follow the policy or be laid-off.

Staff who refuse the policy will be laid off for an initial period of 90-days, according to the letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online.

In an audio recording obtained by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Flax-Brutus, a former Director of Tourism, told staff in a meeting that the vaccine policy was vetted before it was sent to staff.

Company Director of Operations, Sharon P. Flax-Brutus has indicated that the policy was shared with government authorities before it was circulated.

Labour Dep't was made privy to policy

“Before that letter was shared with employees, that letter was shared with the Labour Department, it was shared with the Government Ministers, and it was legally vetted,’ she said in response to a disgruntled staff who asked whether the policy was supported by the government.

Flax-Brutus told staff that at the end of the day, the choice is up to employees whether they want to follow the policy or not, and that a choice must be made to either stay and deal with the rules or make a conscious decision on what is best.

She, however, noted that the option for staff to stay home is not one the company wants to see happen.

“Initially I was one of those who was hesitant about being vaccinated, I would be honest… and I read till I couldn’t read anymore, positives, negatives… reached out to my friends who were doctors and say what should it do?” she said.

In a convincing plea to get staff to vaccinate, Mrs Flax-Brutus said eventually she was given the opportunity to take the vaccine and got vaccinated, given she felt that it was important for her peace of mind.

In a May 5, 2021, letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) written by Christina Yates, the founder of the group, she told staff that they now have a choice to either follow the policy or be laid-off.

Company working to reduct cost of COVID-19 testing

“I am not going to leave my health and safety up to a housekeeper or someone who doesn’t want to be vaccinated, goes into a villa and exposes themselves,” she said.

For staff who do not agree with the policy, Flax-Brutus said she is not forcing anyone to take the vaccine, but a fourth option is available where she would gladly write a letter for a staff to seek employment elsewhere, at a place with a less stringent policy.