WILLEMSTAD - Gisette Seferina, Curaçao’s only entomologist and head of the Infectious Disease Control Department (IZB), has been prohibited from giving interviews about the dengue outbreak in areas such as Zakitó. This decision was made by the Minister of Health, Environment, and Nature, Javier Silvania, who, through Secretary-General Sharlon Melfor, emphasized that Seferina requires permission as a government official to speak to the press. 

The decision follows a series of interviews Seferina gave in recent weeks. According to Silvania, it is not strategically appropriate for her to address the media, as her statements could be linked to her position within the government. Furthermore, the minister cited potential negative effects on a counseling program Seferina is currently undergoing. 

Counseling Program 

For the past 19 months, Seferina has been part of a program during which her access to government buildings has already been restricted. Despite this, she recently spoke to the press and scheduled additional interviews. The ministry has now demanded that she cancel these engagements. 

“This decision is in her best interest and that of the process,” stated Melfor. The ministry stressed that the measure was taken to avoid further complicating Seferina’s situation and her role within the government. 

Silenced Again 

This is not the first time Seferina has been silenced. In April, the ministry reprimanded her after she revealed that the dengue outbreak had resulted in three fatalities. At the time, the ministry aimed to suppress this information to prevent negative impacts on the island’s tourism industry.