Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.

The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.

Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.

During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.

“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”

Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.

The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across 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.