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Hon Vincent O. Wheatley hails PHSU’s inaugural VI Class as trailblazers for future students

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has told the inaugural class of Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) in the Virgin Islands (VI) that they are laying the foundation for future students. Photo: GIS
Class of 2029 of the Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands Campus during their White Coat Ceremony on July 10, 2025. Photo: GIS
Class of 2029 of the Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands Campus during their White Coat Ceremony on July 10, 2025. Photo: GIS
Virgin Islanders, Deshoy Ivan Ward (left) and Koiya Rymer (right) are part of the inaugural Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands campus class. Photo: GIS
Virgin Islanders, Deshoy Ivan Ward (left) and Koiya Rymer (right) are part of the inaugural Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands campus class. Photo: GIS
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has told the inaugural class of Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) in the Virgin Islands (VI) that they are laying the foundation for future students.

PHSU held its inaugural White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, July 10, 2025, marking the official opening of the school’s VI campus at the Eileen L. Parson Auditorium. 

The ceremony, Hon Wheatley told the student doctors, marks the beginning of their journey into the noble profession of medicine and a milestone not only for PHSU but for the future of healthcare in the VI and the region. 

“The establishment of this medical school affirms to government’s commitment to advancing medical education as a strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery, build local capacity and expand opportunities for our people.”

PHSU VI a direct pipeline to train next generation of doctors 

Hon Wheatley added that with the launch of the medical school in the territory, a direct pipeline to train the next generation of doctors has been created. 

“Doctors who understand that we need a healthcare landscape, and most importantly, who will have an opportunity to serve right here at home.”

PHSU in the VI also creates a space for continuous learning, clinical training and research, the Minister said adding, “All of which will contribute to raising standards and innovation across the health sector.”

He told the inaugural class that they carry the hopes and dreams of many, setting the foundation for those who follow. 

“Let this moment remind you, medicine is not just a science, it is a calling.”

Two Virgin Islanders, Deshoy Ivan Ward and Koiya Rymer, received their white coats at the ceremony. 

10 Responses to “Hon Vincent O. Wheatley hails PHSU’s inaugural VI Class as trailblazers for future students”

  • asking for a friend (12/07/2025, 08:30) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    This is great news how come crazy Cindy not talking or writing about this?
  • ... (12/07/2025, 13:52) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    The vip needs to celebrate this
  • Karen (12/07/2025, 13:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is awesome. The college doing big things.
  • Gross failure (12/07/2025, 14:27) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    All we ask is to fix NHI and be our hero. You have the data as to what the expensive treatments are, and the ones out sourced that hospital cannot do. Get those done at the Hospital give patients options, ...Be serios, about service and payments.. All that space you hsve on the bottom and top floor of the Hospital put like 8 - 10 luxury privste rooms for patient who willing to pay $1000. Per noght stay.. 60% down before enter, a lot of people who can afford it, want that comfort. .Time to make hospital productive and profitable..
    • Glad you suggested it... (12/07/2025, 16:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      But did you sugest fixing NHI for the previous 10 years or a you just finding out about that right this minute?? I would think that fixing NHI requies a whole lot more than just him waving a wand and it happening . Are you holding the obstructionist CEO of the HSA accountable to be a part of the solution??
      • @Glad u suggested it. Think. (13/07/2025, 05:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        People get elected or selected to top position because things are not getting done,, place not progressing production is half glass for the past 30 yrs..The Neq person in that poaition is expected to bring results, ifix problems, improve operations. The CEO or Chairman is not the boss, the minister is the Boss, the m8nister either hired or has to approved the hiring of the CEO and Chairman. Understand that.
        • Wrong !!!! (13/07/2025, 18:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          so you still didnt answer my question. DID YOU VOICE THOSE CONCERSD PRIOR TO OR IS TI JUS TNOW YOUR ARE DISCORVERING THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF NHI WHICH HAVE BEEN THAT WAY FOR 10 YEAR OR MORE?
  • Specilize doctors needed (12/07/2025, 15:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Medical doctor, my foot. What happened to dentistry? 95% of dentists in the BVI are expats. Medical doctors, all they do is write a prescription, that's it, and nothing else. No one wants to specialize.
  • Asking For Myself (12/07/2025, 15:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope they can do their internship at Dr smith hospital
  • Deh Watcha (12/07/2025, 19:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a game changer move by the bvi government


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