Health
Today Will Be Hot According To DDM
DEPARTMENT OF DISASTERS MANAGEMENT (DDM): Individuals who are outside for extended periods are asked to be cautious. The Department of Disaster Management Weather Stem is showing a heat index above 84.2°f. In addition, the Weather Stem temperatures is highlighting that temperatures will be between 82°f and 85°f between 11am to 3pm. These are less than ideal conditions use discretion for sporting activities/intense or prolonged work and closely monitor players/workers at risk.
Provide at least three separate breaks each hour with a minimum duration of 4 minutes each.
Here are some tips to help you cope and go successfully through this season…
1. Drink more water to stay hydrated – at least 8-10 cups of water.
2. Keep a bottle of water with you as a reminder to drink water.
3. Wear light-colored clothing preferably cotton. Cover your skin as much as possible.
4. Wear broad brimmed hat to cover head and face.
5. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages especially during this time.
6. Reduce the consumption of protein-rich foods (eg. red meats) as they increase metabolic heat.
7. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are better options.
8. Monitor our blood pressure to ensure they are in the normal range.
9. Stay indoors (your house or office) between 12 pm and 3 pm each day as much as possible.
10. Take baths of cold water before going to bed at night or even throughout the day.
By: Tanisha Lawrence Health Educator
For more weather information, you can visit the Department of Disaster Management WeatherStem Station on the link provided. http://bvi.weatherstem.com/tortola
𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝘿𝘿𝙈) 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝘿𝙈 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝘽𝙮 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝘿𝙈 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙑𝙄 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.
Health
Health Minister Calls for BVI Health Services Authority Chairman’s Resignation
A significant shift occurred within the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley requested the resignation of Chairman Ron Potter.
The reasons for this request remain unclear, and it has not yet been confirmed whether Potter has complied. Potter, who was appointed Chairman in 2023, succeeded Moleto A. Smith, a U.S. Virgin Islands resident who was also reportedly compelled to step down.
The Cabinet’s decision to remove Smith and appoint Potter was formalised in a document from the Cabinet’s meeting on March 8, 2023. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to appoint Potter, a former Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation, to lead the BVIHSA Board for a three-year term, pending approval by the House of Assembly.
Smith’s removal, which took place before the end of his contract set to expire in July 2024, was not fully explained. The Cabinet cited Schedule 1, Section 3(1) of the BVI Health Services Authority Act 2004 as the basis for Smith’s removal. This provision allows the Minister of Health to remove a board member if they have been absent from three consecutive meetings without consent, become disqualified, unable to fulfil their duties, or breached their appointment conditions.
Further details about the potential changes at the BVIHSA remain undisclosed, and no official statement has been issued regarding the matter.
Health
New EMT Graduates Strengthen BVI’s Emergency Response
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, proudly celebrated the graduation of eight students from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programme on September 2.
This marks the third cohort of graduates from the rigorous 10-month course, a key component of the ongoing effort to bolster emergency medical services across the British Virgin Islands.
Sapphire Flax-Clarke of Virgin Gorda was honoured as the Most Outstanding Student.
The EMT Programme is part of a wider strategy by the Ministry of Health and Social Development to enhance emergency response capabilities in the territory, including on the main island of Tortola and its sister islands. Earlier this year, in March, the BVIHSA expanded its fleet of ambulances, including a new vehicle assigned to Virgin Gorda, generously donated by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). This expansion is a critical component of the Ministry’s strategy to improve emergency care by providing prompt, high-quality medical response in all communities.
Currently, Virgin Gorda benefits from a dedicated paramedic and EMT, both trained to handle a wide range of emergencies. The Ministry’s commitment to expanding its emergency medical services includes plans to launch an Advanced EMT course, which will equip practitioners with the skills necessary to perform more complex medical interventions. This advancement is expected to improve patient outcomes significantly, reduce mortality rates, and strengthen public health infrastructure across the territory.
“The Ministry is steadfast in its dedication to ensuring that every resident and visitor receives the highest standard of emergency care,” a spokesperson stated. “The EMT Programme and the addition of advanced training reflect our commitment to saving lives and improving health outcomes throughout the Virgin Islands.”
The latest cohort’s graduation symbolises a significant step forward in fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate to provide high-quality emergency medical services to all parts of the territory.
Health
BVI Health Services Authority Responds to Tragic Incident at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Revovion “Bucky” Sprauve, who arrived at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on August 31 seeking medical care outside of the clinic’s adjusted hours. Tragically, Mr. Sprauve passed away before he could receive treatment.
In a statement issued after the incident, the BVIHSA extended its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sprauve’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the immense difficulty of this time and pledging full support. The Authority announced that it is currently gathering information to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is consulting with the Ninth District community to ensure all concerns are thoroughly addressed.
The Board and Executive Management emphasized their commitment to patient safety and accessibility, noting that the clinic’s reduced hours had been previously communicated. However, this tragic incident has prompted a review of protocols and procedures to maintain the highest standards of care. In response, the clinic has now resumed 24-hour operations.
The BVIHSA is also evaluating clinic hours, emergency response procedures, and communication strategies to better serve the community. They request privacy for Mr. Sprauve’s family and assure the public that they are addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available, with a commitment to full transparency.
However, before the BVIHSA released its statement, Mr. Sprauve’s niece, Maricia Sprauve, posted a scathing message on Facebook, criticizing the lack of timely medical attention and accusing both the health authorities and government officials of negligence. “At a time when demand for proper healthcare in the Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda, has never been higher, the BVI Health Services Authority and so-called elected officials continue to play Russian roulette with the lives of our people,” she wrote.
Describing the circumstances of her uncle’s death, Maricia Sprauve stated, “My uncle rushed to the new fancy, most bragged about public clinic/mini hospital in Virgin Gorda to have to meet an empty facility and to have to wait more than an hour. No doctor, no nurse, just the gentle breeze and mosquitoes! NO HELP WHATSOEVER from the people we trust with our very lives.”
She further expressed her frustration, saying, “We trust leaders, healthcare professionals to do all they can to ensure timely, high-quality healthcare for patients!!!! This should be their number one priority, but as usual, their so-called ‘efforts’ could never be backed with any sort of action. KEEP YOUR SORRY! KEEP YOUR EXCUSES!”
Her post conveyed a family’s deep anguish and called for urgent government action: “My uncle’s sudden death has brought layers of shock, distress, devastation and disbelief to a bereavement. The reality of what has happened may be very difficult to accept… Government of the Virgin Islands, please act now to prioritize this ongoing issue and protect us from this continuous negligence.”
The BVIHSA has reiterated its commitment to learning from this incident and improving healthcare services to prevent future tragedies, stressing that it remains focused on providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care to all its patients.
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