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:

• Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years

• Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years

• Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years

• Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years

• Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years

• Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years

• 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.

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.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warns that the recent U.S. decision to halt foreign aid could lead to a sixfold increase in new HIV infections by 2029, potentially resulting in millions of deaths and the emergence of more resistant strains of the virus.

The U.S. administration’s 90-day suspension of foreign assistance, initiated by President Donald Trump as part of an “America First” policy, has disrupted numerous global health initiatives. This pause affects programs funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a cornerstone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Byanyima stressed the gravity of the situation, stating that without U.S. support, projections indicate a significant surge in HIV cases and related fatalities. She urged the U.S. government to reconsider its stance, highlighting the potential global health crisis that could ensue.

The aid freeze has already led to the closure of several organisations reliant on PEPFAR funding, particularly in Africa. The United Nations AIDS program reported that many such entities have ceased operations due to the funding halt and a lack of clarity regarding exemptions.

In response to the suspension, advocacy groups have taken legal action against the administration. Public Citizen, a liberal-leaning organization, filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the aid freeze, arguing that it endangers lives worldwide. The lawsuit represents organisations severely impacted by the funding halt, including those providing healthcare and humanitarian assistance.

The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has defended the pause, asserting that it is necessary to review foreign aid spending in alignment with the administration’s policies. However, critics warn that this move could damage the U.S.’s reliability as a global partner and potentially push aid-receiving countries towards rivals like China.

The situation remains fluid, with global health experts and humanitarian organisations closely monitoring the developments. The potential resurgence of HIV/AIDS underscores the critical importance of sustained international support and the far-reaching consequences of policy decisions on global health initiatives.