Hon Flax-Charles was at the time speaking at the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom Tortola.

Calls 24/7 from persons concerned for VI

“I want to send a message Mr Speaker, to everyone out there, that we have made a lot of progress as it relates to COVID-19. Every day, every night I get phone calls as early as 6:00 am as late as 2:00 am, persons are concerned,” she said.

Hon Flax-Charles said as such, persons residing in the VI must maintain and follow the COVID-19 protocols set out by local authorities so that the territory remains in control of the pandemic.

“I do believe that people are cognizant, but we must not let down our guard,” she further warned.

In a direct appeal to tourists, the Jr Minister further said that the territory will penalize those who come into the country and flout the COVID-19 protocols.

“I want to send a message to those visitors that are here with us now, and those that are coming. We love you, we welcome you, but we will not tolerate any of you breaking our protocols!” she said.

Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles said the COVID-19 protocols currently in place, is not just for the protection of Virgin Islanders, but for the protection of visitors who come to the territory to experience the VI’s tourism products.

No breaking of laws will be accepting – Hon Flax-Charles

Hon Flax-Charles reminded that while the territory respects human rights and the rights of individuals, breaking of the law will not be accepted.

“We are a very tiny speck on the map, but we are well-loved globally and we will not tolerate you breaking any of the protocols,” Hon Flax-Charles reiterated.

She said the COVID-19 protocols currently in place, is not just for the protection of Virgin Islanders, but for the protection of visitors who come to the territory to experience the VI’s tourism products.