Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has extended appreciation to the United States Virgin Islands for collaborating on the Vaccination Bubble Initiative that resulted in the vaccination of 234 persons.

Sixty-five (65) adults and one hundred and sixty-nine (169) children were vaccinated in the initiative which came to an end last Thursday.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands I extend heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of the United States Virgin Islands for willingly and professionally providing and administering first, second and third doses of Pfizer and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines to citizens and residents of the British Virgin Islands,” Honourable Malone said.

He also thanked the BVI-USVI Vaccination Bubble Committee and the Acting Permanent Secretary and her team in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Honourable Malone witnessed the final round of vaccination with Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach and Assistant Commissioner, VI Department of Health, Dr. Nicole Syms and a number of USVI and VI health professionals.

He said the VI team was pleased to present gifts as a small token of appreciation. “The BVI owes a debt of gratitude to the BVI-USVI Vaccination Bubble Committee, the public officers, health professionals and our many volunteers who worked tirelessly above and beyond the call of duty to solicit, register and accompany the many participants to and from St. John,” he said.

Acknowledging that the pandemic is far from over, Minister Malone cautioned the community to stay vigilant. “The Delta variant continues to wreak havoc around the world and a new and emerging Mu is on the radar.  We do not know how the disease will affect you, but we do know that vaccination is the best tool along with following public health protocols to keep our people safe,” he said.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.