Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. appointed Ishmael Smittie as the new warden for the Criminal Justice Complex on St. Thomas, effective December 9, 2019. According to Winthrop Maduro spokesperson for the Bureau of Corrections, Mr. Ishmael Smittie has over 32 years of correctional experience and holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio; Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the American Intercontinental University in Buckhead, Georgia; and an Associate of Applied Science and Legal Assistance from Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama. Ishmael Smittie will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the St. Thomas jail.
Department of Health says that laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue have been found in the territory. "The number of cases is low, but conditions are favorable for an outbreak", Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis said. The Health Department is currently testing approximately 50 samples a week for dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Dr. Ellis added that more dengue than currently detected may be occurring in the territory because not all those infected get tested or seek care. Dengue is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. The department offers free testing for mosquito viruses including dengue. If you suspect you might have dengue, see your doctor and they can submit a sample and suspect case notification to D.O.H. for laboratory testing.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) says the Anguilla Landfill on St. Croix will be closed to the public on Monday, January 06, 2020, due to continued fire suppression activities taking place at the site. Solid waste haulers are advised that bin site and house to house refuse will be accepted at the Transfer Station while the top of the landfill will remain closed to minimize disruption to fire suppression activities. The fire was reported at 2:30 am Sunday, January 05, 2020. The Virgin Islands Fire Service, VIWMA contractors and personnel continue to work diligently to suppress the fire which is located on the southeast corner of the landfill. Residents with respiratory disorders/conditions should take precautions to minimize their exposure to smoke as wind directions change.