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Crisis Deepens at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Amid AC Malfunction
– Emergency Surgeries Redirected to Bouganvillea Hospital
The Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital is facing a mounting crisis as its air conditioning system continues to malfunction, causing discomfort for patients and staff amid soaring temperatures. J.M. Samuel MBBS, DM, Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer, has issued a letter to employees outlining urgent measures to alleviate the impact of the malfunctioning AC chilling unit.”
“This ongoing issue with our air conditioning system poses significant challenges for both staff and patients,” remarked J.M. Samuel. “Our top priority is to ensure the ell-being of everyone involved while we work diligently to address the technical complexities at hand.”
Amidst the escalating situation, emergency surgeries have been redirected to Bougainvillea Clinic to minimise disruptions, with staff encouraged to adhere to reduced working hours and utilise established cooling stations for relief.
“We are actively engaging resources to manage this crisis effectively,” stated J.M. Samuel. “Flexibility in our work arrangements and the provision of cooling stations are vital steps towards maintaining a comfortable environment amidst these challenging circumstances.”
Last week, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) announced the temporary suspension of all elective surgeries at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital due to concerns regarding the malfunctioning AC system. Efforts to rectify the situation have been underway, with technicians from the system manufacturer engaged to oversee necessary installations and software updates.
“While we navigate through these technical challenges, adjustments to hospital services are inevitable to ensure the comfort and well-being of our patients and staff,” acknowledged the BVIHSA. “We extend our apologies for any inconvenience caused and assure the community of our unwavering commitment to swiftly resolve the issue.”
Despite the obstacles posed by the AC malfunction, the BVIHSA remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services to all residents of the British Virgin Islands.
Gratitude is expressed for the understanding and cooperation of the community during this period of adjustment.
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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