London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 10, 2025

$10K fine for falsifying vaccine records & COVID-19 tests- Premier

$10K fine for falsifying vaccine records & COVID-19 tests- Premier

The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has introduced a $10,000 fine for false traveller declarations relating to COVID-19, according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie.

Several persons in the US Virgin Islands (UVI) have been arrested for uploading false information to that territory's travel portal; however, no such incident was reported in the [British] Virgin Islands.

“A fixed penalty of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) on summary conviction would be introduced for producing false documentation such as vaccination records or COVID-19 test certificates,” Premier Fahie said in a June 15, 2021, statement.

The policy, which took effect from June 14, 2021, according to a gazetted order, will add to VI’s reputation of being a relatively COVID-19 safe destination, as well as being known for spectacular sailing, beaches, views, culture and cuisine, the Premier said.

“Tourism, as you know, is one of the economic engines of the BVI. Therefore, as the arrivals further increase the benefits will accrue not just for our accommodation properties, taxi operators, charter boat companies, restaurants, bars and various other tourism businesses, but they will flow into all the other sectors of our economy,” he added.

While it remains unclear when the new measure will take effect, however, Premier Andrew A. Fahie said the fine will add to VI’s reputation of being a relatively COVID-19 safe destination, as well as being known for spectacular sailing, beaches, views, culture and cuisine.


Bookings on the rise!


As it related to increasing tourism numbers, Hon Fahie said that in May 2021, charter boat companies and other stakeholders were reporting that bookings were on the rise, and that some operators are already booked solid for several months ahead.

“Companies in the charter boat industry have reported that this month, which traditionally is not a busy month, is the busiest they have had since the reopening. Some properties and charter companies are contemplating remaining open when they would normally close due to slow business because of the increased demand."

Premier Fahie also indicated that ferry companies are appealing for an increase to the maximum number of passengers that could sail into the VI through the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and reminded that the decision would be one for both the VI and the USVI.

He said as the tourism numbers increase, one hotel in the territory has already reported 60 per cent occupancy in April.

“We anticipate more such positive news,” he said.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
×