The Environmental Health Division is inviting students across the Virgin Islands to participate in a poetry and art competition as part of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, scheduled for May 11–15, 2026.

The initiative is aimed at raising awareness of mosquito-borne diseases and encouraging preventive action, particularly among young people. The campaign will be observed under the theme, “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction Clean Up Today, Keep Mosquitoes Away,” with a focus on reducing breeding sites linked to illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

“This is not just a competition, it is an opportunity for our students to use their voices and creativity to help protect their families and communities,” said Henrietta Alexander, Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer.

Students ages 8 to 11 are eligible to enter the poetry category, which will focus on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the diseases it transmits and ways to reduce breeding sites. Students in Grades 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 may participate in the art competition, using various mediums to illustrate the mosquito’s life cycle and highlight the importance of eliminating standing water.

Entries must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Submissions may be emailed to ehd@gov.vg or delivered to the Environmental Health Division on the first floor of the Social Development Building across from the Red Cross. Participants are required to include their name, grade, school and parent or guardian contact information.

Winners in both categories will receive prizes, including gift certificates, art supplies and other experiences, with selected entries to be publicly displayed.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote public health and encourage community involvement in disease prevention.

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The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund was officially launched on April 21 in Gran Canaria, Spain, during the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, marking a significant step in the Territory’s efforts to finance climate resilience and renewable energy initiatives.

The launch, which introduced the fund to an international audience, included a keynote address by Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Honourable Julian Fraser RA, along with contributions from Climate Envoy Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Chief Executive Officer Chamberlain Emmanuel.

“There are moments in the history of every country that define and shape its future; the launch of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is one of those moments for The Virgin Islands,” Honourable Fraser said. “For years, a major finance gap has stood between The Virgin Islands devastated by Hurricane Irma and the vision for our climate-resilient future. The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is our answer to this divide.”

The Trust Fund, established under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Act, 2015, is designed to support projects aimed at climate adaptation and the transition to renewable energy. Its funding priorities are guided by the Virgin Islands Climate Change Policy, which spans sectors including energy, infrastructure, water, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, health and financial services.

Mr. Emmanuel said the international launch was intended to position the fund among global partners and investors.

“This international launch of the Trust Fund at GSIS in Gran Canaria is a significant milestone, giving us the visibility and traction we need with global institutions, the private sector, impact investors and others who share our vision,” he said.

During the event, a model of a traditional Virgin Islands sloop, built by Samuel Davies, was used to symbolize the transition of the Trust Fund from policy development to operational management. The ceremony also included the unveiling of the Trust Fund’s logo and updated website.

Officials said the fund is structured to support a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions and registered associations.

Mr. Childs said the Trust Fund would now focus on local engagement following its international debut.

“The Trust Fund is looking forward to a series of local engagements across The Virgin Islands, noting that the success of the Fund rests with the people of The Virgin Islands, the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.

The establishment of the Trust Fund was supported by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, with development of its operational framework assisted by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission. Messages of support were also provided by regional and international organizations, including the CARICOM Secretariat and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as well as Governor Daniel Pruce.

More information about the Trust Fund is available at www.vicctf.org.