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Health Minister Wants Gov't To Prioritize Medical Evacuations

by pltm
May 22, 2023
4

In light of the tragic passing of Bakimba George, 28, of the Valley, Virgin Gorda following a boating accident on Anegada, Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent Wheately said that medical evacuations. must be prioritized.

"I want to extend sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones recently, particularly the young man from Virgin Gorda who lost his life in the Anegada waters last evening. It is indeed very tragic and one of the challenges that we must prioritize immediately, that is, medical evacuation from the remote areas of the BVI, whether Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, or Virgin Gorda," Hon. Wheately stated during the opening of the Fifth House of Assmebly on Wednesday May 24

Officers of the RVIPF Marine Branch are said to be gathering the needed details to determine the cause of a boating accident. According to police, initial investigations indicate that about 6:30pm Wednesday evening a male captain and the deceased were leaving the dock in Anegada on a 17-foot speedboat when the boat collided into the dock.

Both occupants were thrown forward and sustained injuries to their upper bodies. The men were transported to the Dr. D. O. Smith Hospital, however George subsequently died of his injuries. The captain was treated and released.

Hon. Wheatley explained that the Ministry of Health and Social Development is currently conducting an assessment of the Primary Health Care System to strengthen and improve the delivery of health care in the Territory.

He explained that that the Ministry has partnered with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who are currently in the Territory holding several meetings with a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private healthcare sectors and voluntary and community groups involved in and impacted by primary healthcare.

"Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with the representatives of the UKHSA on Monday where I was able to advocate for special consideration to be given to Sister Islands and their specific challenges, and to ensure that Primary Health Care Services meet the needs of people across the entire Territory," Hon. Wheatley stated.

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Reader Opinion

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Just do the basics - Heath/Education/Roads

This all comes back to foolish spending! You are now trying to fix a problem with more foolish spending!\nThe government needs to focus on Hospitals, Schools and Roads.\nHOSPITALS! That\'s where people go when they get hurt! There is just ONE in Tortola. We have 5 Islands with major tourism. There is ONE public Emergency room. There are 2 billionaires that built their own emergency rooms. \nJust build 5 Emergency Rooms - staff them 24 hours a day. Have BVI people trained in Trauma (EDUCATION - Yes we need schools too!)\nFix the ROADS so the people of the BVI can drive a hurt person to these Emergency Rooms.\nWe have enough money if we stick to these basic things. We don\'t need hundred thousand dollar bathrooms. We don\'t need to fix broken down resorts. We don\'t need a greenhouse in Virgin Gorda. The list is easy to sort out - if it isn\'t Health, Education or Roads - CUT THE SPENDING.

47w

Vigilant

The BVI government squandered their investment in this multi purpose vessel that was purchased NEW in 2000. This 75 ft. alloy vessel was perfect for responding to marine emergencies but was left to decay in the Nanny Cay boatyard by successive administrations while yachts burned, people died at sea and and on the out islands. Perhaps the UK Navy should station similar vessels here in the BVI to crew, maintain and operate because the history of Vigilant proves that the BVI government is incapable of crewing, maintaining and operating large marine emergency vessels.

48w

Just a thought

How about prioritizing developing the hospital to eventually becoming a world class facility so you won’t have to airlift anyone? We could have nice things too

48w

it always take something to happen

a life is a life, whether it is a resident or tourist. Anegada, Virgin Gorda and JVD have people living full time and have by now, a properly equipped mini hospital should be functional on each island. Yes we have clinics that are opened during the daytime, Mon-Fri. Sickness and accidents do not have appointments and whenever something happens, at least a doctor, RN, paramedic and basic life-saving equipment should be there. We cannot say that there is not enough persons to make it profitable. Save one life and that life can be yours or mine. Let us get the things that should be important be dealt with as if they are important. How many times youall have to be making speeches after an event and then do nothing until something happens again.

48w

Cruise Schedule

IN PORT - TODAY ( 20 April )

NORWEGIAN ESCAPE (4266)

6:00am

2:00pm

SEADREAM I (113)

8:00am

1:00pm

SEADREAM I (113)

2:30pm

6:30pm

SEADREAM I (113)

6:00pm

8:00pm

IN PORT - TOMORROW ( 21 April )

SEADREAM I (113)

8:00am

10:00pm

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