COI HEARINGS CONTINUE WITH STRICT COVID-19 MEASURES – ATTORNEYS MUST ATTEND HEARINGS VIRTUALLY

The Commission of Inquiry (COI) has adopted stringent COVID-19 safety measures for all future hearings following the rapid increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the territory.

Secretary to the Commission Steven Chandler made the announcement in a press release dated Wednesday July 7th where he outlined some of the new measures to be taken going forward.

These include the utilization of remote technology to facilitate virtual hearings and the new policy which only allows one witness to be present at in-person hearing.

He said, “Witnesses are still able, if they wish, to give their evidence in person at the IAC but can now choose to give their evidence remotely via video link. Additionally, in order to keep to a minimum the number of people in the IAC (International Arbitration Centre) and in the hearing room at any one time, witnesses’ legal representatives can now only attend remotely via video link.”

“They will not be able to attend in person even if a witness (whom they represent) decides to give evidence in person. The IAC is also currently limiting general access to its premises to key card holders only,” he added.

Strict COVID-19 measures existed before spike

Chandler also stated in the release that even before the recent spike in cases, all visitors to the inquiry were required to adhere to strict COVID-19 measures.

These include the wearing of a mask or face covering, hand sanitising on arrival, and registering at the IAC reception.

Additionally, social distancing is practiced in the hearing room, and across the IAC, at all times and the room is cleaned thoroughly at the end of each sitting day.

Following the spike in COVID-19 cases, persons have been calling for the BVI Government to suspend cooperation with the COI to focus on the pandemic.