The Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency Agustus J.U. Jaspert has publicly denounced the recent wave of online discrimination against a patient who tested positive for COVID-19, and subsequently died.
He said “I deplore some of the social media posts circulating about the recent confirmed case, which has since sadly died. This despictable behavior should not in any way represent the views of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The Governor further confirmed that it may be illegal under the current legislation.
“It may also be illegal behavior and the Police will investigate should crimes under our Computer Misuse Act have been committed. On the plethora of false news circulating within the territory also does not help. False news adds fuel to the worries we all share”
Governor Jaspert joined the sentiments of Government in promoting community solidarity in this questionable time. He closed by saying “this disease respects no boundaries; boundaries of income, gender, race or nationality. It does not care if you are resident, work permit holder, belonger or visitor. We will get through these times by working together and collectively…There is no stigma attached to this virus and there should be no stigmatizing of any individuals or communities in this territory.”
Cabinet is due to meeting this evening to set out new guidelines and instructions for the territory in light of the new circumstances.