The Virgin Islands (VI) has recently taken a step further to increase its capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats by hosting a Port Health Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R7), said the VI depends heavily on tourism and trade; therefore, ports of entry serve as critical points of connection with the rest of the world. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Representatives from H.M. Customs, the Department of Immigration, BVI Airports Authority, BVI Ports Authority, and the Department of Disaster Management recently met to discuss the Virgin Islands measures to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at ports of entry. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The meeting was held by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, through the Environmental Health Department, and brought together stakeholders responsible for safeguarding the VI’s points of entry, including representatives from H.M. Customs, the Department of Immigration, the BVI Airports Authority, the BVI Ports Authority, and the Department of Disaster Management.

It also provided a forum for agencies to strengthen collaboration, clarify roles and responsibilities and enhance coordinated preparedness for public health events at the Territory's points of entry.

Review & discussion of current programme

Participants had the opportunity to review the Territory's existing Port Health programme and discuss strategies to strengthen disease surveillance, public health risk assessments, emergency communication, traveller health management, and inter-agency coordination.

Their discussions identified several priority areas for continued improvement, including contingency planning, isolation facilities, emergency communication protocols, staff training and joint simulation exercises to test and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Health Division committed to working with partner agencies to strengthen theVI’s Port Health Contingency Plan, enhance emergency preparedness and broaden stakeholder engagement to include additional agencies that support border health protection.

Ports of entry are critical connection points- Health Minister 

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), said the VI depends heavily on tourism and trade, and that its ports of entry serve as critical points of connection with the rest of the world. "They are also important points of protection," the Minister said. "Effective Port Health systems enable us to identify risks early, respond appropriately and reduce the potential spread of communicable diseases and other public health threats."

He also explained that strengthening port health goes beyond regulatory compliance as it is also an essential component of national preparedness. 

"Public health risks do not respect borders, he said. Our ability to respond effectively depends on strong partnerships, clear communication, coordinated action, and a shared understanding of each agency's role in protecting the health of our Territory."