Premier Natalio D. Wheatley has defended his administration’s handling of the financial and operational challenges facing the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), insisting that issues with the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme and hospital funding were inherited and are being actively addressed.

During an interview on JTV’s The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Premier Wheatley pushed back against claims that his government has not invested adequately in the territory’s healthcare system. He pointed out that the government’s subvention to the hospital has nearly tripled since the construction of the new facility, increasing from approximately $15 million to $42 million annually.

“To make it seem as though we’re not putting money into the hospital is ridiculous,” Wheatley stated. “Healthcare can make any country go broke, and you cannot fund the hospital outside of having a proper national hea

Premier Wheatley

lth insurance scheme.”

The Premier emphasized the need to reform NHI to better serve the public healthcare system. He noted that while the NHI has largely benefited private sector providers, the hospital receives a fixed amount annually, regardless of the services it provides. He described this funding model as unsustainable and in need of urgent restructuring.

“Part of the problem we have with the hospital is that they get a global figure. That $42 million is not in exchange for any services or goods they provide,” he explained. “When private sector providers charge NHI, they do so per service provided. The hospital, on the other hand, gets the same figure no matter how much service it provides. That just doesn’t make any sense, and that’s something we have to fix.”

Wheatley assured the public that efforts are underway to address these structural deficiencies. He cited the reactivation of the contract committee, as well as legislative amendments being prepared to modify the NHI framework in a way that allows the public hospital to benefit more equitably. He stressed that these issues have existed for years and did not originate under his administration.

“Persons think the challenges at the hospital just started, but think again,” he said. “They’ve been happening for some time, and it’s our responsibility to fix them. We don’t run away from that responsibility.”

Responding to concerns about transparency and accountability, Premier Wheatley urged the public to stay engaged with the government’s efforts. He encouraged residents to attend public meetings and contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of healthcare in the BVI.

“The Minister of Health gives updates all the time, but the question is, do we listen when he gives them?” he asked. “We can always do more to address these challenges, but we need all hands on deck.”

As the government moves forward with its healthcare reform initiatives, the Premier called on the community to take an active role in supporting improvements, citing the contributions of civic organizations such as Rotary and the Lions Club as examples of meaningful engagement.

“We want to see things done, and we are telling the entire territory that we need to work together to make it happen,” he concluded.

The Premier’s remarks come amid growing public concern about the state of the territory’s healthcare system, with many residents calling for immediate action to resolve long-standing issues at the hospital and within the NHI scheme.

The government’s proposed reforms are expected to be debated in the House of Assembly in the coming months.

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has defended his intended move to appoint Hon. Karl Dawson as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, stating that the decision is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of government.

During an interview on The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Premier Wheatley dismissed speculation about why Dawson was chosen over Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, insisting that the role is of critical importance.

“I don’t think it’s important why one or the other, because the role that Hon. Dawson will be playing is an extremely important one,” Premier Wheatley said. “We are seeking to move a resolution in the House of Assembly for him to become Deputy Speaker, and I certainly think he would be excellent in the role.”

The Premier explained that the intended appointment is needed to correct an imbalance, as previous deputy speakers have traditionally come from the government’s side. The current administration, however, has only seven members, comprising five Cabinet members and two Junior Ministers, neither of whom could take on the Deputy Speaker role.

“We had somewhat of an anomaly… so it’s important for us to be able to have a Deputy Speaker who can help us to move the agenda of the government along,” he said. “I want to thank Hon. Karl Dawson for putting country above self.”

Premier Wheatley also addressed concerns about the slow progress in the agriculture sector, acknowledging public frustration. He reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the industry, listing ongoing initiatives such as the construction of a reservoir in Paraquita Bay, the design of an agriculture and fisheries complex, grant programmes, and training through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“We’ve breathed some life into agriculture in recent times,” he said. “We are moving to break ground on the reservoir… We’ve allocated lands, we’re surveying those lands in Anegada and Virgin Gorda. So things are happening, but I would agree with you, it has been slow, and I’m not pleased about it.”

The Premier highlighted the urgency of accelerating agricultural development, given the volatility in the global economic landscape. He pointed to trade tensions between the United States, Canada, China, and Mexico, as well as ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which could disrupt food supply chains and drive up prices.

“My exact message [at the recent Agriculture Fair] was to recognise the urgency of this moment,” he said. “We have tariffs and trade wars… food could get more expensive.”

To mitigate these risks, the government is pursuing strategic partnerships, including negotiations with the Dominican Republic to enhance food security.

“We should be travelling to the Dominican Republic soon to cement an agreement that will give us food security,” Premier Wheatley stated. “But we on the ground here have to do our part as well… We need all hands on deck.”

The Premier urged farmers, fishers, and government officials to align with the government’s vision, emphasising that now is the time to act decisively.

With the territory facing economic uncertainty, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, is stepping into her new role with a clear message: unity and decisive action are needed now more than ever.

Speaking during a special announcement on Tuesday, March 3, Smith acknowledged the challenges ahead but made it clear that she’s committed to strengthening the Virgin Islands’ economy and ensuring key industries—especially financial services—remain competitive.

“As the Premier has rightly said, we face turbulent times. We must rise above personal and political differences and stand together for the good of our people and the future of the Virgin Islands,” she said.

Hon. Smith, a seasoned leader with years of experience in international relations and economic development, recently returned from a BVI delegation trip to Asia, where discussions centered around investment opportunities. She sees promise for the territory but cautioned that global economic pressures require smart, strategic planning to keep the Virgin Islands on solid ground.

“How we respond in this critical moment will determine our continued positive standing—not only in Asia but on the global stage,” she said.

One of Smith’s key priorities is making the financial services sector more accessible to Virgin Islanders. She pointed to initiatives like the Financial Services Bootcamp, which provides training and career pathways, as steps in the right direction.

“More Virgin Islanders need to see themselves in this industry—not just as bystanders, but as active participants and beneficiaries,” she emphasized, pushing for workforce development and innovation, especially in emerging areas like FinTech.

Beyond financial services, Smith is also focused on diversifying the economy and creating new investment opportunities. She highlighted programs like Roots to Resilience, which she founded to promote community engagement and economic growth, as examples of the forward-thinking approach needed to build a stronger Virgin Islands.

“Our future success depends on innovation, strong regulation, workforce development, and a commitment to diversification,” she said. “The more we invest in making our communities vibrant and economically strong, the more we attract those who wish to invest in us.”

Smith expressed gratitude to Premier Natalio Wheatley for entrusting her with this role, making it clear that for her, this is about service—not personal ambition.

“Now is the time for leadership, unity, and service above self. Together, let us secure the future of the Virgin Islands,” she concluded.

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