Press Release – January 12, 2026
Dr. Arleen Penn
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition of this important milestone, cervical cancer survivor Dr. Arliene T. Penn is reinforcing her commitment to women’s health across the Virgin Islands through her signature mantra: Know > Fix > Live > WIN!
Dr. Penn, a WINBVI Ambassador and titleholder Mrs. British Virgin Islands 2022/2023, has announced the launch of her 2026 FREE Pap smear screening initiative, titled “EMPOWER YOU!”, aimed at empowering women to take a proactive approach to their reproductive health.
“This is my fifth year hosting this initiative and my sixth year publicly encouraging women to get screened regularly,” Dr. Penn stated. “My commitment to this work remains deep, because early detection continues to save lives.”
Guided by her personal journey, the EMPOWER YOU! initiative focuses on education, early detection, and preventive care, encouraging women across the Virgin Islands to prioritise regular cervical cancer screenings.
Dr. Penn emphasised that cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet life-threatening cancers affecting women worldwide. In alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO), she highlighted that education, routine screening, and vaccination remain the most effective tools in saving lives.
As part of the initiative, free Pap smear screenings will be offered throughout February at the following participating clinics:
- BVI Health Services Authority
- The Wellness Centre Clinics
- B&F Medical Complex
- Eureka Medical Clinic
Registration & Scheduling
- Registration period: January 15–31
- Eligible women must call/whatsapp 440-4122 to register and select their preferred clinic.
- Participating clinics will contact registrants to schedule appointments between February 1– 28.
- All appointments include a free consultation.
Disclaimer: There is no co-pay required under National Health Insurance (NHI).
Eligibility Criteria
- Women 18–29 years, sexually active, who have never had a Pap smear
- Women 18–65 years, sexually active, who have not had a Pap smear in the past three years
EDUCATION AT THE FOREFRONT
This year, Dr. Penn is placing a heightened emphasis on reproductive health education and increasing awareness of the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings.
“Each year we assess the gaps, and what we continue to find is the need to share more comprehensive information about cervical cancer—its causes, risk factors, stages, and the importance of regular screening,” said Dr. Penn. In 2026, I am purposefully taking the conversation DEEPER.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that can silently cause cervical changes, cervical cancer, other gynecological cancers, and serious reproductive health complications if not detected early. Education efforts will also address other contributing risk factors, including smoking, weakened immune systems, the risk of multiple partners, delayed or irregular screening, and lack of timely follow-up care.
In addition, Dr. Penn with the assistance of gyneacologists will focus on educating women about the stages of cervical cancer, helping them better understand how the disease progresses and why early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Dr. Penn expressed gratitude for the continued financial support of UNITEBVI and welcomed the financial assistance of the Rotary Club of Tortola. She also thanked the BVI Cancer Society for its continued commitment to supporting the initiative.
President of WINBVI Alicia Green stated, “Know>Fix>Live>WIN! is more than a campaign. It is more than a movement. It is an impact and call to action for how women think about their bodies. This call to action reflects WINBVI’s enduring commitment to education, access, and advocacy, and we remain steadfast in our mission to empower women to live healthier, fuller lives.”
Executive Director of UNITE BVI Kim Takeuchi, stated, “Since the inception of Know>Fix>Live>WIN! cervical cancer awareness programme, Unite BVI has been a proud advocate for its mission. We recognize that preventive care and education are fundamental rights that ensure the wellbeing of BVI residents. By continuing our partnership with WINBVI, we aim to empower women across the Virgin Islands to secure their health and future through informed, proactive care.” Past
President Abby O’Neal, Project Lead, Rotary Club of Tortola stated, “Rotary Club of Tortola is proud to support this Know>Fix>Live>WIN! cervical cancer awareness campaign because preventive healthcare saves lives. Through collaboration and service, we are helping to ensure women across our community have access to the education and screenings they need to protect their health.”
Throughout the month of January, the campaign features discussions with gynecologists from various clinics on cervical cancer awareness and women’s health. In addition, she will make public appearances with women’s groups and participate in interviews across multiple media platforms during the month.
Through EMPOWER YOU!, Dr. Penn is calling on women to take an active role in protecting their health by prioritising preventive care and early detection.
Dr. Penn firmly believes that EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.