Monday’s weekly Government House media briefing featured tips and advice from officials regarding the territory’s dengue outbreak and the peak of hurricane season, which is usually in September.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach led the press conference and introduced Daryl Jaschen, executive director of the V.I. Emergency Territorial Management Agency and Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, territorial chief medical officer at the V.I. Department of Health.
Dr. Hunte-Ceasar announced there are 89 cases of dengue fever reported in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has 67, there are 21 on St. John, and only one was reported for St. Croix. Since people don’t always report dengue or seek care, there are likely more cases, she added. Using insect repellant and clothing to cover arms and legs will help deter the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, as will window screens and removing standing water outside.
“The most common symptoms of dengue include fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint or bone pain, nausea, vomiting and/or rash,” she said. “If you are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to see your doctor to get tested to see if you have dengue or another illness.”
To receive updates on dengue fever and COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands, visit www.doh.vi.gov.
Director Jaschen said no storm or hurricane formation is expected in the next seven days, but Saharan dust may cloud the islands on Wednesday. He also warned that St. Croix will experience another day of excessive heat on Monday, and people should call 911 if heat stroke is suspected.
In preparation for a hurricane, Jaschen reminded people to gather cash, water, batteries, medications and important documents in a safe place for use after the storm.
Hurricane shelters will open 24 hours before a Category 2 storm is expected. Those who cannot safely ride out the storm should check into the shelter before the high winds are expected.
Hurricane shelters:
St. Thomas- Lockhart School and Eudora Kean School
St. Croix- Educational Complex and D.C. Canegata Community Center
St. John- Adrian Senior Center and Gifft Hill School.
Roach discussed news from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
After meeting with insurance companies and representatives, Roach advised people to inspect their hurricane shutters, cut overhanging limbs from trees, clean up debris, and secure important documents before a hurricane strikes. A home checklist is available at https://ltg.gov.vi/.
Property taxes are due on Aug. 30, Roach said – the bills were sent out in June.
“Those bills will become delinquent after Aug. 30,” he said, adding that interest and penalties may be incurred as well as public sale or auction.
Tax bills may be paid at https://propertytax.vi.gov.
Roach said unclaimed property in the Virgin Islands amounts to $22 million, and a database has been created for 24-hour access. Banks, corporations, financial organizations, and insurance companies must report any unclaimed property annually. There are also kiosks on St. Thomas and St. Croix to search the database.
Roach said the street naming and signage project on St. John should be completed in December. Then streets will be named and recorded on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
In response to questions from the media, Roach verified that a $2 million payment was made this week to Pafford Ambulance Services for a past-due balance. He added that when Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. returns to the territory on Tuesday, they will discuss how to remit the remaining balance.
Roach didn’t name any other delinquent accounts or admit a budget shortfall now or by the end of this fiscal year. He said the government is experiencing inflation similar to that of the population. However, bids for government services are coming in much higher than usual, and sometimes, the allocations don’t cover the costs.
Bryan has scheduled meetings for the GVI’s cabinet and financial team on Sept. 28 – 29 to discuss finances. The Lt. Gov. said more information will be shared with the public after those meetings.
“And I think that bodes not well for the territory as we move to the end of the fiscal year or as we approach a new year. And, I believe we will all have to pitch in,” he said, adding that new staffing may have to wait.
