I begin my remarks by making reference to the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros, who recently cautioned that “we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time”. He added that “the world cannot go back to the way things were. There must be a “new normal” – a world that is healthier, safer and better prepared”.

I would like to start with a thank you to all of the people of this Territory. I know these are challenging times and people are worried – worried about their finances, their health, the limitations on their life, and their friends and family. 

As the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the health, social and economic impacts continue to create unprecedented disruptions in our daily lives.

Yesterday, Saturday, April 18, 2020, we announced the need for the adjustment of the curfew orders in the Territory. 

A few days ago we were not expecting to be here before you this evening to talk about a further extension to the full 24 hour a day lockdown. 

My dear Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors. 

A pleasant good evening and God’s blessings to each of you under the sound of my voice, may the peace of the Lord be with each of you even in these trying times. 

El 17 de abril informé a la comunidad que otro residente de las IVB había dado positivo con COVID-19 a través de pruebas locales, y que la muestra se enviaría a CARPHA para pruebas de confirmación.

His Excellency, Premier, ladies and gentlemen; on 17th April I informed the community that another BVI resident had tested positive for COVID-19 through local testing, and that the sample would be sent to CARPHA for confirmatory testing. 

On Thursday you heard from the Honourable Minister of Health on a further case of COVID-19 within the Territory.  We are deeply sorry to have to confirm that the patient has since died, despite the best efforts of our medical professionals.   

Our team, here in the British Virgin Islands, continues to work extremely hard to keep you, the members of the public, safe from the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.