“I see advertisements coming out… we’re going to have a big boat ride, and you can come and all kind of artists and so further. Well, who gave the permission?” Hon Malone questioned during a Thursday, January 14, 2021, government community meeting on Jost van Dyke.

“I do know that we have $10,000 and 15,000 fines that we have coming in, so it’s important for us to take some time and explain this because this is the biggest bone of contention to some people,” Hon Malone said.

Hon Malone revealed that it was because the Government could not afford to keep monitoring individuals in each home, hotel and boat, hence the need to turn to electronic monitoring.

Returning residents not staying still - Hon Malone

Further, the Minister said the government is having difficulties getting locals to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols and said that in a recent conversation with the Chief Medical Officer, he was told, “the residents are not staying still.”

Compared to visitors who are quarantining on sea and land, the Health Minister said returning residents are the biggest cause of concern.

Hon Malone revealed that it was because the Government could not afford to keep monitoring individuals in each home, hotels and boats, there was a need to turn to electronic monitoring.

He said as per the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer; however, the government will now have to look into better forms of electronic monitoring to prevent the spread of the virus.