A group of concerned Virgin Gorda residents, represented by the Ad Hoc Committee for the Urgent Enhancement of Virgin Gorda Health Care, has taken their healthcare grievances directly to His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce, seeking intervention and remedies for what they describe as a crisis in the island’s medical services.

Earlier today, the committee presented a petition signed by over 800 individuals, calling for immediate action to address the ongoing healthcare challenges on Virgin Gorda. Among the key issues discussed with Governor Pruce were the potential for UK grants, visiting medical staff from the UK, increased funding in the 2025 budget for healthcare on the sister islands, and the critical shortages of medical supplies. They also raised concerns over the incomplete construction of healthcare facilities, a leaking roof, and an aging generator, as well as the operational status of the North Sound Clinic and medivac options for emergencies.

While the petition garnered significant support both in-person and online, there were reports that others who share the same concerns refrained from signing due to fears of victimization.

In a statement, the committee highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the petition outlines several critical healthcare issues affecting Virgin Gorda. “The community hopes Governor Pruce will facilitate swift and meaningful dialogue with the Government of the Virgin Islands to address these urgent shortcomings,” the statement read. “The interaction was constructive, with a great exchange of ideas.”

The Ad Hoc Committee reaffirmed its commitment, along with the broader Virgin Gorda community, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors, and looks forward to collaborating with the relevant authorities for long-term improvements.

Religious Leaders Rally Behind Healthcare Petition

The petition was bolstered by the support of Virgin Gorda’s religious leaders, who offered their prayers and full backing. In a joint statement, the island’s pastors expressed their solidarity with the committee. “We, the pastors of Virgin Gorda, stand in unwavering support of the healthcare proposal on behalf of the residents of the sister islands.”

The clergy emphasised that healthcare is not just a basic human right but a key factor in ensuring a stable economy and a healthy society. “For too long, the healthcare needs of the sister islands have been treated as secondary, leaving our communities with inadequate services that have dire consequences for our well-being,” they said.

Calling the situation urgent, the pastors urged the Deputy Governor and all relevant authorities to recognise the severity of the crisis. “We hope for swift and decisive action to ensure that the residents of Virgin Gorda and the sister islands receive the healthcare services they deserve,” they added, pledging their continued support and prayers for a prompt resolution to the healthcare challenges.

To tackle rising mosquito populations and the associated health risks, officials from the Public Health Unit and the Environmental Health Division have joined forces with local communities to curb mosquito breeding in key areas of the British Virgin Islands.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Lionel Michael, emphasised the importance of community action in reducing mosquito breeding grounds. “We’re focusing on the community level, particularly in areas with high mosquito indices, to identify and eliminate breeding sites,” Michael said. “Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with residents to mitigate vector-related issues.”

Health officials are targeting communities such as Sea Cow’s Bay, East End, Lower Estate, Huntum’s Ghut, Purcell and Baugher’s Bay, where mosquito breeding has become a pressing issue. The collaboration aims to provide residents with the knowledge and tools needed to manage the ongoing vector problem in their neighborhoods.

National Epidemiologist Harmonie Brewley-Massiah stressed the importance of managing mosquito populations to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases. “We’re particularly concerned about the spike in Dengue Fever cases as the numbers continue to rise,” she said.

The first community meeting will take place in East End on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, at the Francis Lettsome Primary School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Topics will include mosquito-borne disease prevention, control measures, and the importance of community engagement in managing mosquito populations.

“We encourage the community to partner with us in this effort,” Brewley-Massiah added. “It’s only through full participation that we can reduce the risk of disease and lower mosquito indices.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to managing environmental factors that could negatively impact public health, aiming to ensure that all residents of the BVI can maintain optimal health and well-being.

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.