Minister for Health and Environment of Antigua & Barbuda, Molwyn Joseph has said one case of the vector-borne Zika Virus in any country in the region creates a negative impact on the market place.
Antigua confirmed its first case of Zika on Tuesday and speaking at the opening ceremony of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) third council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability Meeting at the Fort Young Hotel on Wednesday, Joseph said unless the region can show it is able to deal with issues of health, there will be doubts whether important industries, such a tourism, are under control.
“We are in the tourist industry and unless we can clearly demonstrate that we have the capacity to deal with these challenges of health and the environment there will be doubts as to whether or not we are in control of the most important industry and that is tourism, and one case of Zika in any of our states is a negative in the market place,” he said. “It can happen in the United States, but that’s ok, but if it is in a small island then the impression is that the small island is just not ready to handle the situation.”
Joseph is of the opinion that the Zika challenge has to be overcome, noting that “our success is inextricably linked to our ability to share information, to support each other and to collaborate on important issues affecting our citizens.”
Meantime he stated that the only way the OECS can respond to its many challenges is for member states to work together to negotiate and respond effectively.
“The (OECS) Commission has been a tremendous support over the last several months on all levels especially in the field of health and environment,” Joseph noted.
He pointed out that the OECS is struggling right now to past legislation to meet the international health regulation requirement with June 2016 representing the third time the region ha been given the opportunity to get ready.
Zika appears to be another scourge. It is spreading.
Ontario/Canada has a few cases. So far, someone contracted Zika through sexual contact. It is true. We do not know how many more. The authorities could be hiding much from the public.
Antigua doesn’t have water, mosquitoes need water to breed… you’ll be alright
Well 50% of Dominica population migrate to Antigua so half of Dominica will be alright
yet we migrate like flies to the country that doesn’t have water. i wonder why.
Someone ought to tell the Antigua health minister that his concern is unnecessary because our very own esteemed Dominica health minister has guaranteed that there is no cause for concern. Relax man, Zika only exists in the imagination. Just close your eyes, and it will go away. Doctor’s orders.
Alas, one thing DNO really know how to prick me. (Not your fault).
Dominica not concerned … our Ministry saying don’t be alarmed!!!!
Good damn it i’m PREGNANT. WTF? i have to be alarmed!!!!! I didn’t know jack about Zika when i got pregnant and i’m keeping my child for all who want to judge me.
Our country is not proactive at all. Shame on our Medical teams and Government. Seems like we are not in the tourism industry. Just watch what the Minister …of Tourism just report!!!!
This place called Dominica is depressing.
Dr. L is absolutely correct because he KNOWS that Zika, like Ebola, Sars and the other NWO hoaxes is just another big scam to get us to take vaccines which cause the same problems the diseases are supposed to cause and better yet, make women infertile.
Come on and hit the ‘dislike’ button, but before you do, go online and buy the virus here: The Zika virus has been around since 1947. It was developed from the blood culture of monkeys in Uganda (NOT BRAZIL, OR ANYWHERE NEAR BRAZIL).
The virus became OWNED by the Rockefeller Foundation who owns its patent: http://www.lgcstandards-atcc.org/products/all/VR-84.aspx?geo_country=ie#history
The Zika virus can be purchased online for USD599 via ATCC:
http://www.lgcstandards-atcc.org/en/Form_From_Scratch/Shopping_Cart/Modal/Item_Added_to_Cart.aspx?sc_device=modal
Oh yes, it has been around since 1947 and is patented by the infamous Rockefeller Foundation. The same foundation that wants us all to have chips in our bodies.
Here we go, the Antiguan health minister is concerned!!! Our health minister and tourism minister – no reason for concern!
I wonder who is right here. I put a bet on the Antiguan minister.
The health Minister made news months before Zika arrived and took a national initiative to clear the entire Island of debris that was brought to the dump to be buried, destroyed or burned. You’re the one who’s late.
I am not late but you are not well. You suffer from a very common Dominican disease called ‘red stupidness’, which by the way appears to be incurable.