US VIRGIN ISLANDS – During today’s weekly briefing from Government House on St. Croix, Lt. Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., Department of Health officials, and VITEMA leadership addressed pressing public health concerns, emergency preparedness, and key policy updates affecting Virgin Islands residents.
Public Health Updates: Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease and Measles Prevention
Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion and Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis provided updates on the spread of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) and the importance of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. Currently, the U.S. Virgin Islands has reported 255 cases of HFMD, with five cases on St. Croix and none on St. John. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands and feet. Supportive care, including hydration, over-the-counter pain relief (excluding aspirin and Tylenol), and baking soda gargles, is recommended for those infected. More information is available at www.cdc.gov.
Commissioner Encarnacion emphasized the growing concern over a measles outbreak in the mainland U.S. and the need for increased vaccination rates in the territory. Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. The current MMR vaccination rate in the USVI is between 44-60%, significantly lower than the 90% required for herd immunity.
Parents and guardians are urged to ensure their children, particularly those aged 12 months to six years, receive their vaccinations at the following locations:
• St. Thomas: East End Medical Center, Partners for Kids, Wilson Healthcare, DOH Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
• St. Croix: Northshore Health, Frederiksted Health Care, Pediatric Care Center, Island Pediatrics, DOH Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
Emergency Preparedness: Caribe Wave 2025 Tsunami Exercise
VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen addressed the importance of the upcoming Caribe Wave 2025, an international tsunami preparedness exercise scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. The exercise will simulate an 8.6-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Portugal and will test the territory’s tsunami response systems, communication protocols, and evacuation procedures.
Jaschen emphasized that participation from residents, businesses, schools, and organizations is crucial. Participants can register at TsunamiZone.org/usvi to review or practice their tsunami evacuation plans. Additionally, VITEMA will conduct a territory-wide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test on March 20, with residents expected to receive test alerts on their mobile devices.
For those near the coast or below 82 feet elevation, evacuation to higher ground is advised during tsunami threats.
Upcoming Tsunami Town Hall Meetings:
• St. Thomas: Monday, March 24, 6 p.m. at VITEMA EOC
• St. John: Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m. at the Legislative Annex
• St. Croix: Thursday, March 27, 6 p.m. at VITEMA EOC, Downtown Christiansted
Office of the Lt. Governor: Homestead Exemption Renewal and Street Addressing
Lt. Governor Roach provided updates on homestead exemptions, emphasizing that General and Veterans exemptions must be renewed every five years. The year of exemption is typically printed on the property tax bill. To assist those who missed the deadline, an extension has been granted until March 2, 2026, for renewals covering the 2025 tax year. First-time applicants can apply through March 16, 2025.
The Lt. Governor also announced the completion of St. John’s street addressing project, with signs for St. Croix ordered and currently being installed. Residents with unnamed roads are encouraged to contact the Office of the Lt. Governor to officially name streets.
Additionally, the St. Croix Recorder of Deeds office has been temporarily relocated to Caribe Home Center in Castle Coakley.
Renomination of Judge Jessica Gallivan
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has officially renominated Judge Jessica Gallivan for another six-year term on St. Croix. With over 15 years of experience as a magistrate and judge, her renomination ensures continuity and stability in the judicial system.
“Judge Gallivan has served with distinction, and her renomination ensures continued stability and fairness on the bench,” stated Lt. Governor Roach.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
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