A Barbadian national involved in a lone-vehicle accident late Friday night has died from her injuries, authorities confirmed.

The crash occurred in Brewers Bay shortly after 11 p.m. when the woman, who was driving a Jeep Wrangler, appeared to have lost control, causing the vehicle to plunge over a hillside. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and the victim was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Officials have not yet released the woman’s identity, pending notification of next of kin. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

More details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

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.