By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Government Denies Dengue Outbreak in Antigua and Barbuda
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has dismissed claims of a dengue outbreak, assuring residents that there has been no unusual increase in mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph informed Cabinet during its weekly meeting that current surveillance reports and laboratory-confirmed data show no evidence of an outbreak or sustained transmission of dengue fever. According to the information presented, arboviral activity remains low and well controlled.
Cabinet, after reviewing the figures, concluded that there are no indicators of heightened risk or abnormal disease patterns at this time. The Health Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Health’s surveillance systems remain fully operational and vigilant, allowing for early detection and a rapid response should conditions change.
“The public will be promptly informed if surveillance data indicate any increase in risk,” the minister stated, while reassuring citizens that there is no cause for alarm.
OECS Leaders Confer on Regional Geopolitical Tensions
Leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have met to discuss rising geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly developments involving Venezuela and the United States, and their potential implications for Eastern Caribbean states.
According to an official statement issued by the OECS Commission, the meeting was held earlier this week under the chairmanship of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday. The discussions focused on regional stability and the possible economic and security impacts stemming from evolving international relations.
The meeting was attended by Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as Chairman of the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
Venezuela Proposes Oil Law Reforms to Attract Investment
On the international front, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced plans to reform the country’s hydrocarbon legislation in an effort to attract greater foreign investment into its oil sector.
Rodríguez said the proposed changes would create pathways for new investment flows, particularly in oil fields where no prior investment has occurred and in areas lacking existing infrastructure. The move comes amid growing interest from investors in the United States seeking expanded access to Venezuela’s oil industry.
The proposed reforms are expected to form part of broader efforts to revive production and modernize the country’s energy sector.
