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Opposition Leader and National Democratic Party (NDP) chairman Marlon Penn has criticised the management of healthcare services particularly on Virgin Gorda (VG), pointing to reports that a woman recently gave birth at St. Mary’s Anglican Hall.
Speaking on the NDP’s radio programme on October 7, Penn questioned how conditions at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic had deteriorated to the point where patients were receiving care elsewhere.
“The mismanagement of our healthcare services is serious,” he said.
Penn argued that the NDP had invested in the clinic to provide residents with a proper world-class facility, but accused the Government of failing to maintain it.
“You can’t even maintain it,” he said, alleging that mould inside the building was putting patients and healthcare workers at risk.
“Persons have to deliver their babies in a community centre,” Penn added.
He also criticised the need for residents to travel to North Sound for wound dressings, highlighting that Minister of Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley represents the Ninth District, where the clinic is located.
Government has made moves to rectify the issue. To this end, roof repairs are now underway at the clinic, with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) estimating approximately two and a half months for completion, barring unforeseen conditions. Services were temporarily relocated in September following concerns about indoor air quality. Under the announced arrangements, 24-hour emergency care moved to St. Mary’s Anglican Hall, while wound dressings and vaccinations were provided at North Sound Clinic.
Meanwhile, Penn credited former Health Minister Ronnie Skelton with advancing the hospital project, now the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, and completing it after the NDP returned to office in 2011. He said the party subsequently delivered the Virgin Gorda clinic after repeated ground-breaking exercises under the Virgin Islands Party failed to produce progress.
He also raised unresolved concerns about emergency patient transfers from Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, questioning the lack of reliable arrangements involving a medical boat, or helicopter.
Turning to healthcare workers, Penn said nurses continue to complain about their salaries. He accused the Government of finding millions for parties and extravagant initiatives while failing to adequately support staff within the health services.
“Are we serious about healthcare?” Penn asked, arguing that the Government’s response lacked urgency.
Speaking on the NDP’s radio programme on October 7, Penn questioned how conditions at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic had deteriorated to the point where patients were receiving care elsewhere.
“The mismanagement of our healthcare services is serious,” he said.
Penn argued that the NDP had invested in the clinic to provide residents with a proper world-class facility, but accused the Government of failing to maintain it.
“You can’t even maintain it,” he said, alleging that mould inside the building was putting patients and healthcare workers at risk.
“Persons have to deliver their babies in a community centre,” Penn added.
He also criticised the need for residents to travel to North Sound for wound dressings, highlighting that Minister of Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley represents the Ninth District, where the clinic is located.
Government has made moves to rectify the issue. To this end, roof repairs are now underway at the clinic, with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) estimating approximately two and a half months for completion, barring unforeseen conditions. Services were temporarily relocated in September following concerns about indoor air quality. Under the announced arrangements, 24-hour emergency care moved to St. Mary’s Anglican Hall, while wound dressings and vaccinations were provided at North Sound Clinic.
Meanwhile, Penn credited former Health Minister Ronnie Skelton with advancing the hospital project, now the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, and completing it after the NDP returned to office in 2011. He said the party subsequently delivered the Virgin Gorda clinic after repeated ground-breaking exercises under the Virgin Islands Party failed to produce progress.
He also raised unresolved concerns about emergency patient transfers from Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, questioning the lack of reliable arrangements involving a medical boat, or helicopter.
Turning to healthcare workers, Penn said nurses continue to complain about their salaries. He accused the Government of finding millions for parties and extravagant initiatives while failing to adequately support staff within the health services.
“Are we serious about healthcare?” Penn asked, arguing that the Government’s response lacked urgency.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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