Health
Minister Urges Stakeholders to Raise Awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in the Virgin Islands
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, is urging all stakeholders in the Virgin Islands to continue raising awareness for individuals in the community who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This call to action comes during his message for World Alzheimer’s Month, observed annually in September, with this year’s theme being “Never too early, never too late.”
The focus of this year’s campaign is to emphasize the crucial role of identifying risk factors and implementing proactive measures to reduce these risks, thereby delaying or potentially preventing the onset of dementia.
Honourable Wheatley highlighted the paradigm shift occurring worldwide in the perception of Alzheimer’s disease, as doctors and patients are now recognizing that the disease and other forms of dementia can begin many years before symptoms become apparent.
With the global number of people living with dementia projected to triple by 2050, the minister stressed the urgent need for understanding and addressing the risk factors associated with the condition.
According to data from the National Health Insurance database, 188 individuals in the Virgin Islands have received an official diagnosis of dementia. However, considering that approximately 75% of all dementia cases go undiagnosed, as reported by Alzheimer’s Disease International, Honourable Wheatley estimated that the actual number of individuals living with dementia in the territory is likely above 300.
Given the absence of a known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the minister emphasized the importance of examining personal risk factors and implementing strategies to mitigate the risk of developing the condition.
Citing recent research from The Lancet Commission, a medical journal, Honourable Wheatley explained that modifying twelve key risk factors throughout one’s lifetime could prevent or delay up to forty percent of dementia cases. However, addressing this disease and educating the community requires advocacy, partnership, and collaboration among public, private, and non-governmental agencies.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through its Aged Care Services, continues to provide programs and services accessible to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. These include supervised senior programs that encourage socialization among senior citizens and home care services for elderly persons, where the Social Development Department offers top-quality care in the client’s residence. These programs complement the care and services provided by local hospitals, community-based clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.
As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”
Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.
However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”
To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.
Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.
This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.
“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.
He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”
The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:
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Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years
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Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years
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Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years
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Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years
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Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years
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Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years
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Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.
Health
Virgin Islands Health Officials Urge Nurseries to Strengthen Hand Hygiene Amid Disease Concerns
As the flu season takes hold, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on early childhood facilities to enforce strict hand hygiene measures to curb the spread of common childhood illnesses.
Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Henrietta Alexander, has warned that contagious diseases such as influenza, the common cold, chickenpox, and hand, foot, and mouth disease tend to peak between November and March, posing a heightened risk in nurseries where young children are in close contact.
“Many of these illnesses spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing,” Ms Alexander said. “Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission.”
Authorities are advising nurseries to ensure frequent handwashing among staff and children, particularly before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling shared toys or objects. They are also stressing the importance of regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, including tables, door handles, and bathroom facilities. Additionally, parents are being urged to keep unwell children at home until they have fully recovered.
The Environmental Health Division has pledged to continue providing guidance and support to early childhood facilities, helping to implement hygiene and sanitation measures aimed at reducing potential outbreaks.
For further information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.
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