ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, January 17th, 2013 -- Described as “mini hospitals on wheels”, two modernised ambulances better equipped to cater to the growing emergency needs of the community were presented to the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), by community partners, the Social Security Board and James Todman Construction Limited.
These new ambulances are one of the steps taken by the Government as it works diligently to improve overall healthcare for the people of the Territory.
Following a brief ceremony on January 15 in the Ambulance Bay of the Peebles Hospital the ambulances were blessed, and the keys handed over to the Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, who then handed them over to Chairman of the BVIHSA’s Board, Mr. John I. Cline.
As Honourable Skelton received the ambulances on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands, he thanked the Social Security Board and James Todman Construction Limited for their generosity to the people of the Territory and to the healthcare sector.
In delivering his remarks, the Health Minister stated, “The health services of this country are going through some major changes. It is my hope that the Peebles Hospital and the community clinics attain the level of services comparable to the health services sought in other countries. I believe that we have the human resources to make the health services of this country as good as in other countries.”
Additionally, he issued a call for more private and public sector partners to help strengthen the health sector by making contributions to the various public health facilities.
These include the Peebles Hospital, the Iris O’Neal Clinic in Virgin Gorda, the upcoming polyclinic in East End/Long Look and on the western side of Tortola.
“It is our aim to ensure that those cases which do not need to be at Peebles Hospital remain at their respective communities,” said Minister Skelton.
In her remarks, public sector partner and Director of the Social Security Board Mrs. Antoinette Skelton said, “I am pleased to donate, on behalf of the Board of Directors and the contributors of the social security system, this ambulance which cost $90,000 as a demonstration of the Social Security’s commitment to improving healthcare for the people of the Territory.”
Fellow donor and private sector partner, Mr. James Todman in his remarks, shared that community donations were the norm for James Todman Construction Limited and noted that as a leader in the construction industry, the nature of the donation was appropriate.
In thanking the Social Security Board and James Todman Construction Limited for their contribution, Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, Mrs. Darlene Carty Baptiste issued an invitation for other community minded agencies and persons to join the Friends of the BVIHSA. This is a partnership programme which facilitates donations as the BVIHSA seeks to continue improve healthcare services for the people of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment.
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British Virgin Islands News