STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ON
THE PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT

Friday, 4th March, 2022

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has been made aware of information publicly circulating regarding concerns raised by the Public Health Unit.  

The Ministry has already addressed several of the concerns expressed. For example, compensation for works done during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently being addressed in consultation with key agencies including Deputy Governor's Office, Human Resources Department and the Ministry of Finance.  Discussions are ongoing regarding having relevant members of the Public Health team designated as risk officers.  

Additionally, regarding accommodations, the Unit has now been relocated after occupying a temporary space following the devastating events of 2017. The Ministry was able to make adjustments to the new location to ensure suitable working accommodations for the team. The Ministry is now awaiting the clinical documentation from those persons who may be unable to traverse the stairs.  

The Ministry of Health thanks the Deputy Governor for meeting with the small fraction of the Unit on different occasions, to further address the concerns raised. We are pleased that these concerns have been addressed.  The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its entire staff.

The Government of the Virgin Islands and in particular, the Ministry of Health and Social Development together with the people of the Virgin Islands join in expressing full and unreserved appreciation to all public and private officers/officials who have served in the front lines in the battle to conquer the challenges of COVID-19 since its declaration as a global pandemic in March 2020.