Road Town, Tortola - A large crowd of Virgin Gorda residents recently participated in a community consultation on the proposed plans for a new medical facility on the sister island.
This occurred when Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE held a public meeting at the Ashford Waters Community Centre in the Valley, where he informed the residents of his government’s proposal while inviting feedback and consensus. The conceptual designs for the new facility were presented by Dawson Wells Consulting Engineers and local architect Ms. Anya Frett.
The Premier was accompanied to the May 27 community meeting by several high ranking officials, including Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC; Territorial-at-Large Representatives Honourable Keith Flax and Honourable Irene Penn-O’Neal; and Representative for the Fifth Electoral District Honourable Elvis Harrigan.
The meeting was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Petrona Davies and was organised by Sister Island Coordinator Mr. Vincent Wheatley, along with senior officials in the Ministry of Health and Social Development. Officials from the BVI Health Services Authority, who included the Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ronald Georges, also participated in the meeting.
Among other things, the Premier used the opportunity to reiterate his administration’s commitment to the continued strengthening of the Territory’s public healthcare infrastructure, which includes plans for the construction of a new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda.
Issues related to the healthcare facilities on Virgin Gorda have been widely debated in recent years, amid concerns over the inconvenience residents face in accessing emergency medical treatment, especially at night.
“These concerns continue to resonate with us and I am very pleased to say that preliminary steps are underway towards constructing a new medical facility on Virgin Gorda,” the Premier said.
Minister of Health Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC expressed appreciation for the strong attendance and participation of the Virgin Gorda community, which she said augers well for the development process.
Over 20 residents used the opportunity to pose questions and express their views on the proposed new development. The next step in the process is for full construction drawings to be completed which will, as far as possible, incorporate the suggestions that were received during last week’s public meeting. Construction works will then begin on a phased basis, subject to the availability of funds.
Speaking at a recent press conference Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC said consultation with the residents of Virgin Gorda will be an integral part of the design process for the proposed medical facility.
“It is important for me to state clearly, that the residents of Virgin Gorda will be fully and properly consulted so that they have an opportunity for their views to be included in shaping of this important facility. I also must say that the ministry would work very closely with our Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, who is the representative for Virgin Gorda, in getting feedback and input as we seek to move the project forward,” the Minister noted.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News