Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE is said to be recovering well in a rehab centre overseas after suffering a stroke on September 30, 2016. Photo: VINO/File

Outgoing President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Mr Carvin Malone (right) disclosed on the ‘Things to Talk’ show on ZBVI 780 AM on October 26, 2016 that Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (left) was responding well to treatment. Photo: VINO/File

Hon O’Neal was flown to a Florida hospital earlier this month.

After he was taken overseas there was not any word as to his condition, however, outgoing President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Mr Carvin Malone disclosed on the ‘Things to Talk’ show on ZBVI 780 AM on October 26, 2016 that Hon O’Neal was responding well to treatment.

He said he has been in communication with family members of Hon O’Neal, including his wife Edris O’Neal OBE concerning the progress of the retired legislator, who he worked alongside for 15 of the 17 years that he has served as President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

“He is in a rehab centre and he has responded well to the treatment and to the love and care and affection that he has been getting from his family and doctors. I am quite pleased with the reports that I am getting and the family members continue to be there and we wish him well and hold him in our prayers,” Mr Malone said.

According to a statement from his youngest daughter Abby O'Neal on October 4, 2016, her father was taken to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell and it was determined by doctors that he had suffered a stroke.

“On Friday 30th September 2016 Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE experienced severe discomfort and nausea and admitted to Peebles Hospital for observation and attention. Following analysis by doctors it has been determined that he suffered a stroke and that it will be in his best interest if he is airlifted to the United States for specialist care.”