As such, he continues to plea with the Virgin Islands (VI) public to get vaccinated and make vaccination for COVID-19 a priority.

Just over 10,000 persons have been vaccinated, some 7000 short of the mark the territory is aiming for.

“I would also like to encourage persons who haven’t gotten vaccinated, that vaccines will protect you from the severe effects of COVID-19. The science proves this and the information is out there; you just have to seek information from reputable sources,” he said in a statement released yesterday, March 29, 2021.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there also that has been causing fear and delay in us meeting our numbers in order for our Territory to fully re-open safely,” Hon Malone continued.

Hon Carvin Malone continues to plea with the Virgin Islands (VI) public to get vaccinated and make vaccination for COVID-19 a priority.

Get vaccinated - Hon Malone

The Minister's comments came as part of a speech on Vaccination Week celebrated from April 24, 2021, to April 30, 2020.

“As we celebrate vaccination week 2021 during this COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded that being vaccinated prevents the spread of diseases. The global financial impact that we all face during the COVID-19 pandemic is also proof that getting vaccinated is a cost-effective measure to lessening health, social and economic negative impact,” he said.

Hon Malone said persons who refuse to get vaccinated will continue to hinder the VI from moving forward and revitalising the local economy.

“We must do better and we must educate one another in getting the facts to make the best decisions for our Territory in moving forward,” he said.