Bequia this Week - 17th April - 23rd April 2020

NO. 901
April 17th -
April 23rd
what * Where * When?
BEQUIA
2020
Update 1
THIS WEEK
important notice
Following developments in SVG relating to COVID-19, and the World Health Organisation’s advice
on the need for social distancing, we made the very difficult decision to suspend
our regular format with individual advertisers' listings, until the situation became clearer.
Two weeks have now passed without further restrictions being introduced. As a result, we are
now including basic information for all those Bequia businesses that are remaining open and/or
providing takeaway services under safe and socially responsible conditions. See page 2.
We are also continuing to publish all Government COVID-19 Press Releases / Advisories as soon
as they are issued, along with general information that is useful and relevant to Bequia.
We will update daily. The most recent Press Release / Advisory will always be found on page 3.
Be responsible, be sensible and stay safe. We will all get through this together!
outhouse@vincysurf.com Serving the Bequia Community for over 21 Years Tel: 457 3649 / 532 9554
As of Friday April 17
Bequia Express requires that masks
must be worn at all times
Admiral Ferries SVG asks you
to please wear a mask
Share your
Love for Bequia…
…send a postcard!
See back page

As of Publishing time
The following Bequia Businesses are offering DINING
and/or Takeaway + Delivery - Call for MORE Information
Bequia Plantation Hotel VHF 68 / 534 8677
Eat In & Takeaways - Delivery service for yachts only
Open daily 7am - 9.30pm
Black Label 433 9054
Takeaways & delivery only - 11am - 8.30pm
Call or WhatsApp for menu details
Coco’s Place 528 6863 / 458 3463
Call by Noon for Dinner/Takeaways
Doris Fresh Food Call for more info: +1 784 458 3625
Orders only WHATSAPP : +1 784 528 8568
doris_freshfood@yahoo.com
Frangipani Hotel 458 3255
Eat In & Takeaways 8am - 4pm Closed on Sundays
Keegan's Beachside 458 3530
Eat In & Takeaways Open from 10.30am daily
La Plage 458 3278 / 457 3995
Eat In & Takeaways - 24 hours notice please!
Laura's 457 3779
Eat In & Takeaways
Open Wednesday - Saturday 6.00 - 9.30pm
Maranne's Ice Cream 593 7264
Orders for collection only: marannehazell@gmail.com
Order by 6pm Mondays, pick up Wednesdays at the
Shop from 11-11.30am
Papa's VHF 68 / 457 3443
Eat In & Takeaways
Open Daily from 4pm, Sundays from 5pm
Petra's 526 4486
Eat In & Takeaways - please call for details!
Tantie Pearl's VHF 68 / 457 3160 / 527 1628
Eat In & Takeaways 11.30am - 8.00pm
Virginie’s Home Cooking 458 8829 / 493 0696
French cuisine freshly cooked to order
or frozen selection. Please call for details!
Please encourage everyone around you to practice responsible social distancing
and to adhere to all the current SVG Government guidelines on health & safety!
Yacht Garbage Disposal
Ashore, there is only one place to dispose of yacht garbage – the skips located off the Fish Market Jetty
next to the Vegetable Market. These are reserved exclusively for yachties’ use.
Alternatively, yacht garbage may be delivered “at sea” to Daffodil Marine or other reliable water taxis;
charge usually $3.00 to $5.00 per bag. Dumping in unauthorized places is a prosecutable offence.
Help keep Bequia Safe, Clean and Green!
Bequia Hospital (24 hrs) 458 3294
Bequia Clinic 457 3328
Dr. Lugo (private appts/visits) 534 0376
Paget Farm Clinic 458 3302
Dr. Chevailler
497 1722 / 458 8829 (H)
Imperial Pharmacy 458 3373, after hours 458 3025
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bequia Police Station 458 3350
VHF 16 “ZedQS Bequia”
Coastguard 457 4578
VHF 16 “Juliet8Bravo”
Post Office
Mon - Fri: 9am-12 noon, 1pm-3pm
Cruisers’ Net: VHF 68 Mon-Sat 8am Weather & Local Info
Customs & Immigration: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6pm (closed 12-1pm), Sat: 8.30am - 12 noon, 3pm - 6pm, Sun: 9am - 12 noon; 3pm - 6pm
Overtime fees may be charged - Clearing in and out outside office hours and on Public Holidays is normally possible by arrangement.
24/7 SVG COVID-19 HOTLINE: 1 (784) 534-4325 coronavirustaskforcesvg@gmail.com

NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO)
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
WEST INDIES
Tel: 784-456-2975, Fax: 784-457-1691, Email: nemosvgeoc@gmail.com or nemosvg@gov.vc
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday April 9, 2020
Subject: TWENTY-SIX NEGATIVE AND FOUR POSITIVE NEW CASES OF COVID -19 IN
SVG
The Caribbean Public Health Agency today reported on the 30 pending samples. Twenty-six of the samples
were negative and four were positive for COVID-19. This result brings the total number of positive cases
of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to 12. These are all imported cases. One of the patients
has already made a full recovery. Thus, there are currently 11 active cases.
The patients, who have been informed, are all Vincentian nationals and have been in isolation since the
samples were taken for testing. Monitoring of these patients is ongoing and all close contacts have been
identified. All additional public health measures will continue including the implementation of additional
quarantine where necessary.
The public is reminded to continue to practice the basic but highly effective public health measures of hand
hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing and strict adherence to quarantine to keep us all safe from
COVID-19. The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to keep the public informed
as we manage this public health challenge together.
###

Ref No: AB 027/01
In replying the date and number
above of this letter should be quoted
Tel. No: 1 (784) 457-1104 or 457-2676
Fax No: 1 (784) 457-1114
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, NATIONAL
RECONCILIATION AND INFORMATION
Halifax Street, Kingstown
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
April 7, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
The Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation and Information wishes to
inform all parents, guardians, teachers, students and other stakeholders that
schools will remain closed for an additional two (2) weeks in the first instance,
beyond the scheduled opening date of Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
The Ministry of Education will continue to be guided by the Ministry of Health,
Wellness and the Environment regarding the reopening of schools. All efforts are
being made to ensure that students are able to continue their academic journey
through the use of different modalities of learning.
Let us all continue to work harmoniously to combat the challenges presented by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Please be guided accordingly.
St. Clair Prince (Honourable)
Minister of Education, National Reconciliation and Information
Email:
Administration:
Minister:
Permanent Secretary:
Chief Education Officer:
office.education@mail.gov.vc
minister.enrea@gmail.com
pseducation01@outlook.com
ceo.education@mail.gov.vc
UNESCO:
EXAMS:
Curriculum Unit:
Adult and Continuing Education Unit
unescosvg@ gov.vc
moeexamsunit@gmail.com
svgcurriculumunit@gmail.com
adulteducation2@yahoo.com

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Additional COVID-19 Results for SVG: Three Negative and One
Positive
The Caribbean Public Health Agency has reported results on an
additional 4 samples that were sent for testing – three were negative
for COVID-19 and one was positive for COVID-19. These results bring
the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the
Grenadines to 8. They are all imported cases. One of the patients has
already made a full recovery. Thus, there are currently 7 active cases.
The patient who tested positive is a Vincentian national and has been
in isolation since the sample was taken for testing. The patient is
being monitored and all close contacts have been identifed. All
additional public health measures including the implementation of
additional quarantine will be applied where required.
The public is reminded to continue to practise the basic but highly
effective public health measures of hand hygiene, cough etiquette,
physical distancing and strict adherence to quarantine to keep us all
safe from COVID-19. The Government of St. Vincent and the

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
ADJUSTMENTS TO OUTPATIENTS SERVICES
Further to a press release issued Sunday (April 5, 2020) on the suspension of outpatient services
at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre
(MMDC), patients are asked to note they will be contacted by the Stewards Offices of the
MCMH and the MMDC individually. Please note there is no need for you to visit district health
centres unless for emergency care.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the
Environment continues to promote physical distancing. Please do not leave your homes unless
necessary. When out in public, maintain 3-feet distance from other persons. Avoid crowded
places and mass gatherings. Do not attend district clinics unless necessary. Please call your local
health centre for information on repeating prescriptions.
For more information, please call 456-1185 extension 154, 110 or 158.
###

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
WEST INDIES
Telephone: (784) 456-1703
Administrative Centre
Facsimile: (784) 457-2152
Bay Street
E-mail: pmosvg@vincysurf.com Kingstown
PRESS RELEASE
The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to remind the general public and bus
operators that, on the advice of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the
Environment with respect to the protocols for social and physical distancing, the
number of persons on 18-seater buses should be limited to 8 passengers plus the
conductor and driver, and on 26-seater buses, the limit should be 13 passengers
plus the conductor and driver.
Office of the Prime Minister
April 06, 2020

April 5, 2020
ADVISORY
HEOC/COVID-19 TASK FORCE ADVISORY: SOCIAL (PHYSICAL) DISTANCING –
SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING – EASTER WEEKEND
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is predominantly a Christian society. The upcoming Easter
weekend therefore is a very important time for our Christian brothers and sisters. It is also a
time of major socializing activities including boat rides, picnics and parties, as well as other
forms of mass gatherings. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment recognizes the
vital importance of spiritual and psychological health and wellbeing to overall wellness.
However, in keeping with the Ministry’s Physical (Social) Distancing and Mass Gathering
Advisory issued on March 22, 2020, and recommended hygiene practices, the HEOC/COVID-19
Task Force issues the following recommendations for the Easter weekend beginning Friday,
April 10, 2020 to Monday, April 13, 2020.
1. Church Services – Good Friday and Easter Sunday:
a. Consider not having any physical gatherings, rather:
i. Consider a National Day of Prayer on Good Friday lead by Religious
Leaders broadcasting from various media houses.
ii. Consider broadcasting by radio and on social media platforms a National
Ecumenical Easter Sunday Service conducted by a limited number of
representative Ministers and Pastors, from a single place of worship
capable of safely accommodating these officials.
b. If physical gatherings must continue, then there must be strict enforcement of
physical distancing in places of worship to ensure that persons are at least 3 feet
apart from each other.
2. Social Gatherings:
a. Follow the “STAY SAFE! STAY AT HOME!” practice:
i. There should be no:
1. Boat rides
2. Picnics
3. Goat cooks
4. Beach outings
5. River outings
6. Parties
7. Any other social gatherings whether private or public.

Easter Advisory …continued from previous page
.
ii. Van Drivers are asked to protect themselves and their families by
supporting this “STAY SAFE! STAY AT HOME!” guidance by staying off the
roads for this period.
3. Hygiene Precautions:
a. If traveling in public vehicles and standing in crowded places, the correct use of
cloth masks (with a pouch to hold a surgical mask or flannel piece to provide
additional protection) by the public is an acknowledged option. The correct and
safe use of masks requires that the front of the mask is not touched, and they
are washed regularly. (Please visit SVG HEALTH for further information on the
correct use.)
b. If caring for someone at home, use a surgical mask.
c. Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers are encouraged.
These recommendations for limiting non-essential contact are guided by scientific evidence and
will go a long way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. St Vincent and the Grenadines now has
seven (7) confirmed cases of COVID-19 on record. The support and corporation of all citizens
are needed at this time, if we are to minimize any further spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache
Chief Medical Officer
HEOC/COVID-19

-END-
Health Emergency Operating Centre (HEOC) & COVID-19 Taskforce
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
(URGENT)
TO: ALL MEDIA
For Immediate Release
April 5, 2020
Subject: Adjustments to outpatient hospital services
The following adjustments to the outpatient services offered by
the local Hospital Services will be implemented effective
Monday April 6, 2020.
• Patients with appointments to clinics at the Milton Cato
Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and Modern Medical and
Diagnostic Center (MMDC) are asked to note that ALL
outpatient clinics including physiotherapy are
suspended, until further notice.
• Patients are asked to return to their primary physicians
for review and information regarding their care.
• All elective surgeries have been suspended.
• Patients with scheduled dates for surgical procedures at
MCMH or MMDC are also advised to return to their
primary physician for instructions and information
regarding their care.
• Arrangements will be made with primary physicians and
the appropriate clinical teams of Hospital Services for
persons requiring urgent care.
All are asked to kindly take note of these new and urgent
adjustments.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday April 3, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Subject: Four More Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in SVG
The Caribbean Public Health Agency just reported 4 additional confirmed cases of
COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These are all imported cases from either
Canada or the United States of America all arriving on March 25, 2020. The number of
confirmed cases reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to date now stands at 7. One
of the patients has already made a full recovery. Thus, there are currently 6 active cases.
The patients are Vincentian nationals and have been in isolation since their samples were
taken for testing. They are being monitored by health officials. The process of informing
the patients and any possible earlier contacts has commenced. All additional public health
measures will continue including the implementation of additional quarantine where
necessary.
The public is reminded to continue to practice the basic but highly effective public health
measures of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing and strict adherence to
quarantine to keep us all safe from COVID-19. The Government of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health
challenge together. Thank you.
###

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday April 3, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Subject: Third Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in SVG
Last night (at 9:46 p.m.), St. Vincent and the Grenadines registered its third confirmed
case of COVID-19. It is also another imported case. The positive result was one of two
results returned. The other result was negative.
The sample which tested positive was taken from a male patient who had travelled to
SVG from Barbados on March 18, 2020. The patient had placed himself under voluntary
quarantine from the time of his arrival in SVG. He developed symptoms on March 29 and
informed healthcare workers about them on March 31, at which time a sample for
COVID-19 testing was taken from him.
The patient, who is a Vincentian national, has been in isolation under close monitoring by
health officials since the sample was taken. The process of informing the patient and any
possible earlier contacts has commenced. All additional public health measures will
continue including the implementation of additional quarantine where necessary.
The public is reminded to continue to practice the basic but highly effective public health
measures of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing and strict adherence to
quarantine to keep us all safe from COVID-19. The Government of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health
challenge together.
###

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Subject: Medical Clearance for Original Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in SVG
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment just announced a second
confirmed case of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the basis of
laboratory results received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency.
The Ministry would now like to take this opportunity to inform the public the initial
confirmed case of COVID-19 in SVG has received medical clearance. In order for
medical clearance to be issued, 2 successive negative test results had to be received in
relation to that patient. These 2 successive negative results have been attained.
Thus, there is now one active case of COVID-19 in SVG.
Further to the original release of today’s date, the Ministry would like to clarify that the
four (4) samples which were rejected by CARPHA were so rejected because they were
drawn from patients without symptoms who therefore did not fit CARPHA’s definition of
a case requiring testing for COVID-19.
The Ministry and the government would continue to take all actions necessary to protect
the health of Vincentians during the course of the coronavirus pandemic and at all times.
###

MARCH 28TH, 2020
HEALTH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE/COVID-19 TASK FORCE
ADVISORY: QUARANTINE FOR TRAVELERS TO ST. VINCENT AND THE
GRENADINES
The Cabinet of St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a revised list effective March 19th, 2020,
of quarantine requirement for passengers arriving from the following countries:
1. China
2. European Union (including Italy, the Overseas Departments of France (Guadeloupe,
Martinique, St. Martin, French Guiana)
3. Iran
4. South Korea
5. United States of America (including USVI and Puerto Rico)
6. Canada
7. United Kingdom
Individuals entering St. Vincent and Grenadines from the above listed countries will be subject
to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days after leaving their port of departure. The quarantine will
be actively monitored by Public Health Officials and members of the Royal St. Vincent and the
Grenadines Police Force and Coast Guard, and will remain in effect whether the individual
travels to or from the Grenadines.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will not hesitate to seek court orders to
enforce this quarantine requirement as evidenced by the court orders secured and served on the
entire group of passengers who arrived on AA 1427 on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Additionally, effective March 28, 2020, all arriving passengers who meet the quarantine
requirement will be required to sign an Undertaking to Quarantine form issued by the Ministry of
National Security, Air and Seaport Development. Any breach of this undertaking will result in
appropriate action under the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
All persons previously instructed to be under quarantine are reminded that the instruction is
mandatory and any breach may result in imprisonment and or a fine.
While in quarantine, the following steps should be taken:
1. Do not leave home. Do not go to work, school, other publics areas.
2. Do not use public transportation.
3. Arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered.

March 25, 2020
HEOC/COVID-19 TASK FORCE ADVISORY: QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT FOR
TRAVELLERS FROM CANADA
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment wishes to advise that the Cabinet of
Ministers has informed that all travellers who arrive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines having
been in Canada within the last 14 days, will be required to be quarantined for a period of 14
days.
Therefore, all travellers from the following countries will be quarantined for 14 days:
1. China
2. Iran
3. South Korea
4. United States of America including the USVI and Puerto Rico
5. United Kingdom
6. European Union including Italy and the Overseas Departments of France
(Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, French Guiana)
7. Canada.
The general public is reminded that the requirement for quarantine is not optional. Individuals
meeting the quarantine requirement must remain in their homes/accommodation at all times
for the 14 day quarantine period.
Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache
Chief Medical Officer
HEOC/COVID-19

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 23rd, 2020
Contact: Permanent Secretary
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
ISOLATION OF SUSPECT COVID-19 CASE
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment wishes to inform the
general public that one of the isolation transport chambers was utilized earlier
today to safely transfer a patient from a private health care facility to the
Kingstown District Flu Clinic for further assessment and management. While the
patient does not meet all of the criteria of the case defnition a COVID-19 suspect
case, out of an abundance of caution, further investigations are being carried out
including the specifc COVID-19 test.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will continue to provide
the public with additional information as it becomes available.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment thanks the Vincentian
public for their continued support and cooperation
###

March 22, 2020
HEOC/COVID-19 TASK FORCE ADVISORY: SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASS
GATHERINGS
The COVID-19 disease has spread around the globe to the Caribbean, including St Vincent and
the Grenadines where there is still only one confirmed case. In order to reduce the likelihood of
further spread within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, WHO has recommended “social
distancing”. Social distancing is a non-medical tactic used to keep people physically apart from
each other, as close contact helps to spread the virus. Social distancing is particularly important
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 because there is no vaccine to protect against the virus
which causes this disease. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment
issues the following advisory to Faith Leaders, Event Organizers and the general public:
1. Faith leaders are asked to be socially, culturally and spiritually flexible at this time and
be proactive to protect themselves and their congregation. The following measures are
advised:
a. As far as is possible reduce the number of church services and conduct services
virtually if possible.
b. Limit those attending church functions to a number that allows between 3 and 6
feet of space between persons in a seated group (typically 25 or less).
c. Keep already planned weddings to a limited gathering of a maximum of 10
persons for the ceremony. The reception could be postponed.
d. Postpone or cancel all non-essential social and cultural gatherings.
e. Avoid visiting the house bound members especially the elderly. In this regard it
is suggested that phone contact would be most appropriate. This will reduce the
risk of infecting the vulnerable, sick and elderly.
f. Limit those attending funerals to immediate family members (between 10 and
25 persons). An attendance by invitation only approach can be utilized.
g. Keep members informed consistently with official, accurate and up-to-date
information.
2. Event Organizers and the general public:
a. Ensure no overcrowding at events and maintain at least three feet (six feet if
possible) between people.
b. Hygiene and physical distancing must be combined. Shaking hands, kissing and
hugging as forms of greeting should be avoided. Consider smiling, waving or
bumping elbows.
c. Keep patrons informed consistently and constantly.

POSTCARD FROM BEQUIA
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and loved ones. Say hello and tell them how you are doing -
it will mean a lot to them to be reminded of our beautiful island.
There’ll be a new one every week or so, so keep checking back!
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