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Health Alert: Rise in Seasonal Illnesses and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is issuing a public reminder to stay vigilant as the seasonal uptick in fever and respiratory conditions is anticipated.
Dr Ronald Georges, Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), emphasised that residents, business owners, daycare operators, school administrators, and marina managers should remain alert. “At this time of year, we typically see an increase in fever and respiratory conditions, and that trend is currently evident,” Dr Georges noted.
He highlighted the dual threat posed by heavy rains and unmanaged mosquito breeding sites, which can exacerbate the situation through the transmission of Dengue and Chikungunya. “It’s crucial for individuals to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their premises,” Dr Georges advised.
The Ministry also advises residents to refrain from attending work or school if they are experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms and to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe. Dr Georges pointed out the ongoing concern of dengue fever in Latin America and the Caribbean, with continuous transmission in the region.
“Similarly, other respiratory conditions like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza, Coronavirus, and other flu-like viruses are still circulating,” Dr Georges added.
The public is urged to maintain proper hand hygiene, cover coughs, and adhere to sanitation practices to minimise the spread of respiratory diseases.
Additionally, residents should ensure that all loose containers and standing water are removed to prevent mosquito breeding. Dr Georges stressed that reducing mosquito breeding sites will significantly aid Environmental Health Officers in controlling vectors in the Territory. Reported dengue cases are monitored by the Environmental Health Division, and affected individuals can expect follow-up actions from the Ministry of Health.
The community is encouraged to use the Government’s BVIGOVREPORTIT app to report vector control issues requiring a response from the Waste Management Department or the Environmental Health Division.
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BVI and Dominican Republic Explore Caribbean Economic Hub to Boost International Trade
As global supply chains continue to face mounting pressure from economic uncertainty, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Dominican Republic have initiated high-level talks on the potential development of a regional economic hub to strengthen international trade across the Caribbean.
In a bilateral meeting held on the margins of the 8th Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, British Virgin Islands Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley met with Dominican Republic Vice Minister for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugo Francisco Rivera Fernández. The talks took place in Santiago, Chile between March 31 and April 4.
Central to the discussion was the role of the Dominican Republic as an emerging economic linchpin in the Caribbean. Vice Minister Rivera emphasized his country’s expanding trade and transportation infrastructure, noting its strategic connections to North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. He outlined how these networks could offer valuable opportunities for smaller Caribbean economies—such as the BVI—seeking to diversify their trade relationships and enhance resilience amid global market volatility.
Mr. Wheatley echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation and the potential for closer commercial ties. “It was a pleasure to engage with Vice Minister Rivera to continue BVI-DR discussions on strengthening economic cooperation,” said Wheatley. “The impressive economic growth and development of the Dominican Republic over the past decade has seen the country emerge as a critical economic hub in the Caribbean. As a close neighbour, the British Virgin Islands can benefit from the Dominican Republic’s regional and international trade and transportation links.”
As part of the evolving dialogue, both parties discussed the possibility of a formal trade mission from the BVI to the Dominican Republic, aimed at laying the groundwork for expanded bilateral commerce.
The talks mark a strategic step forward in Caribbean regional integration, underscoring how small and mid-sized economies are working together to navigate global economic headwinds and build sustainable trade partnerships.
the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has ordered the complete shutdown of liquor-selling establishments across the territory for Good Friday, warning that violators will face immediate penalties. The directive, backed by the Liquor Licence Act of 1964, comes with fines for both business owners and patrons found in breach of the law.
The order, issued under CAP 42 (1) of the Liquor Licence Act, 1964, requires that all premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquor — excluding clubs and hotels — remain closed for the entire day on Friday, April 18, 2025. This regulation is in line with legal provisions that mandate business closures on specific public holidays.
Further restrictions prohibit the reopening of these establishments before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Authorities stated that any early operation would be deemed a violation subject to enforcement.
Penalties for non-compliance include fines ranging from $150 to $200 for business operators. In addition, individuals found on the premises of establishments operating in violation of the law may be fined $25.
The RVIPF emphasised that these measures are intended to ensure orderly observance of the holiday and adherence to existing legislation. The public notice concluded with thanks to residents for their cooperation and extended wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday period.
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BVI and Dominican Republic Explore Caribbean Economic Hub to Boost International Trade
Alcohol Sales Now Permitted After 6 P.M. on Good Friday
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