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‘I stand with the doctors’ – Sharie B. de Castro

- said doctors are on strike for ‘valid reasons’
Young political activist, educator, and former Miss BVI Ms Sharie B. de Castro (right) has publically come to the support of the doctors currently on strike at Peebles Hospital. Photo: VINO/File
Several of the doctors on strike have indicated they were prepared to call it quits should their issues not be addressed in an amicable way and without bias. Photo: Team of Reporters
Several of the doctors on strike have indicated they were prepared to call it quits should their issues not be addressed in an amicable way and without bias. Photo: Team of Reporters
Part of the Facebook post by Sharie B. de Castro suppporting the industrial action by some doctors of Peebles Hospital. Photo: Facebook
Part of the Facebook post by Sharie B. de Castro suppporting the industrial action by some doctors of Peebles Hospital. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While some persons have expressed that the doctors currently on strike at Peebles Hospital should have put the interest of their patients ahead of their protest, others have pledged full support for them, including young political activist and educator Ms Sharie B. de Castro.

Posting on her Facebook page, Ms de Castro, who contested the 2015 snap elections as an At Large candidate on the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) ticket, cried shame on the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government for the salary scale of some local medical personnel.

"Do not ask me what about the patients in the hospital! I do not want to hear it. What about the doctors? Reality check! The following was disclosed by Minister of Health Hon Ronnie [W.] Skelton in the House of Assembly. Can you believe that there is a registered nurse in the BVI (a BVIslander) making $16,738.50 annually? As in that registered nurse makes that in one year! Like I mean she makes that in 365 days! That is criminal behavior! It must be a mistake or a typo maybe? I am willing to entertain that it is or there is of course an explanation. However, I said that to overemphasize the fact that even when I multiply that figure by 2, the total still must be a typo. There is no explanation for that. No matter how you twist it and turn it, the salary range for doctors and nurses in the BVI is... sickening," Ms de Castro wrote on Facebook yesterday, February 20, 2017.

According to the former Miss British Virgin Islands, the strike by the doctors is for "valid reasons."

"The doctors are on strike for valid reasons. The requests that they have made are practical and reasonable. Doctors and nurses may not have chosen medicine for purely financial reasons. However, earning a decent salary certainly can help to give them and their family a good quality of life! After all those years of study, exams and on calls, wouldn’t you like to be compensated fairly? For the record, I do not believe that a doctor will sit down and watch patients in serious distress and do nothing. I believe that they will stand on their ethics and give medical attention. However, it is absolutely necessary for them to take a unified stance such as a strike so that administrators can see how serious they are. I stand with the doctors," added de Castro.

Doctors prepared to quit

Meanwhile, this news site was told that the Board of Directors of the BVI Health Services Authority met today, February 21, 2017 under the new acting Chairman Mrs Ayana Liburd and invited some doctors to make a presentation about their many issues, including pay packages, discrimination against local medical specialists and working conditions.

"We sick from the frustration. No one seems to care we are being used, we are being over worked and to think this is Black History Month, oh my God, this is slavery all over again but in another form," said one of the doctors.

The doctors have also maintained that their strike action is justifiable.

“We are not being unfair we are being unfairly treated. It seems the administration of this country has their heads stuck in all the wrong directions with their pride, venting on the wrong people for the wrong reasons and the repercussions are these," said another doctor.

Several of the doctors indicated that they were prepared to call it quits should their issues not be addressed in an amicable way and without bias.

63 Responses to “‘I stand with the doctors’ – Sharie B. de Castro”

  • Yes (21/02/2017, 15:52) Like (16) Dislike (29) Reply
    Strupes. You all please go sit down. These doctors spend half their time working for the HSA and then half their day in private practice (for which they are paid privately) but they want full time pay. There are a lot of issues down there and I hope when they sort it out the doctors are pleased with their results and some of that free paper needs to burn.

    I understand one of the lead doctors in this is running on the VIP ticket so all this might be political staging to further infuriate the people as it concerns the NDP administration. Be vigilant and know all the facts before you take sides.
    • Yep (21/02/2017, 16:13) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      This ting-a-ling and the tone of the perpetual bloggers has VI p written all over it. Self defeating stupidity to the max....Putting patients at risk simply does not resonate with humanity.
    • wake up (21/02/2017, 16:14) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      Did you even take the time to read the requests of the doctors? They shouldn't even be requests. They should already be in place. They are not asking for a mansion on the hill. I wish we had more compassion for others. Put yourself in the doctors' shoes and you would see that they are only asking for what is rightfully due to them.
      • HSA (22/02/2017, 09:24) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
        The doctors requests were heard. They were told that the Board was working on the situation. It has not even been two months. They are unreasonable and need to be replaced. All of them, until they mature some more. They are going on like they are the best doctors in the world, have proven their time and perform 10 surgeries a day. It's not all that. I was always taught to work and not harass people about money. They will see your worth and money will come. With all the work being put into that HSA and they well knowing their are financial challenges, this is a ransom move and the HSA should not encourage this at all by running to meet their outrage.
        • Yummy Mummy (22/02/2017, 10:49) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
          So because you were raised to accept less than what you deserve we should all do the same? Blame you parents because they obviously failed you.
          • Yes (22/02/2017, 11:16) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
            Oh no! they raised me right. Money did come and not by me striking or throwing toys out of my pram but putting my head down and getting the job done. I am well and happy and surely not feeling like a failure at all. You don't know me so don't judge me.
            • With Yummy Mummy on this (22/02/2017, 15:18) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
              @ HSA and LOL. So..you don't know them nor their needs, but you are in a position to judge them... oh thou hypocrite! The problem in this place is that no body does what they have to do when they should. The behavior is too bloody lackadaisical. Then the attitude is stinker that what with no communication. That's the way it goes and people must swallow it all like they waiting on Masa for food. Do your work and things like this would not come to pass. Stop talking nonsense about do your work and money will come. What you think they have been doing for the past 20 years....waiting patiently. That is why many have left for better opportunities else where. This is not a profession to pussyfoot with. You are still back in the dark ages. We are in 2017...hello?

              Your problem is you don't even know yourself. See how you change your name two times already.
            • @LOL (22/02/2017, 17:02) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
              If you point a finger 3 point back at you. You claim that one should not judge you but you just called the doctors immature and greedy. Despite the long years of study to get there. I guarantee they work longer hours than you. Do your research....they are severely underpaid....the nurses too.
        • @HSA (22/02/2017, 16:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Were these doctors just hired 3 months ago? So this means that the organization knew that they were underpaying long before and did nothing. Now the dirty laundry was out for all the world to see 3 months ago. Fair is fair....right is right. You sound like you believe being rewarded for hard work...Let's see you study for 10 years work for more than 40 hours plus work for 24 hour stretch and see how you feel being paid near minimum wage. Medical school not cheap....
    • facts (21/02/2017, 16:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not all doctors work privately
    • yes (21/02/2017, 16:44) Like (14) Dislike (14) Reply
      This is not by accident, if you notice who leading the pack and now this young lady speaking, it's all political nonsense and jockeying for a seat on Andrew's VIP ticket, but they will get a rude awakening for nobody in their right minds will be voting for them. Ask them to show you their track records and they will freeze up and don't know what to do next. Everyone wants to raid the Government chest while doing their own private work. It's funny how deCastro posted on Facebook recently about corruption but isn't it corrupt for our doctors to be making demands of HSA while double-dipping, i.e. working additional jobs as private doctors?
      • And with wrong information (21/02/2017, 18:30) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
        As I understand the information that was used was not for a full time staff. But when you quick to gain political points, anything come, you will try to use. It is so transparent. I just want some people who care about this country and who at the same time are not seeking political office. I will work with you.
        • @ And with the wrong information (22/02/2017, 17:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Read the November article again. They published per annum salaries
      • double standard (21/02/2017, 18:43) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
        You come here trying to call out doctors for double dipping when THE DEPUTY PREMEIR DOES THAT EVERY SINGLE DAY! He makes a salary as deputy premeir and minister and he works at his private office and still at the hospital delivering babies. YA'LL ARE UNBELIEVABLE! IT'S SHAMEFUL! These doctors are working hard to try to feed their families and build a life for them. Come on. I'm not a doctor but I can put myself in their shoes. I hear their cry just like Ms. de Castro! I stand with them!
        • All Politicians (21/02/2017, 20:41) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
          Double dip and we have all agreed to it as a people to obtain government. Kedrick is not special because he is a doctor and he is not paid by the HSA. Him and all other 12 members of the HOA are allowed to govern and run their private business. Don't conflate the issues. We can make a decision to not let politicians who have lives or were made before politics to not run for politics. Until then, the argument does not equate.
      • @yes (22/02/2017, 00:25) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
        I totally agree with u she needs to go sit down from lickin her lips and talkin off the side of her mouth
        • Really (22/02/2017, 07:26) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
          Your coward a$$ need to go sit down. All of you who go online to badmouth people need to put up you picture and names.
      • @yes (22/02/2017, 17:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I wonder if all he other frustrating doctors viaing for Andrew's ticket. Maybe the stance is exercising leadership. As to the double dipping....maybe if they paid better they won't feel the need to double dip.
    • bvi (21/02/2017, 17:51) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      LOL please get your FACTS, because not all of those doctors practice privately. And the issue is not private practice, it was stated the previous article what their concerns are. There are teachers who give private lessons does it means its ok for their superiors to use and abuse them just because they are under staffed and provide an necessary service? Well the doctors are no different. What they do privately its not the issue whether it private practice or selling baked goods.
      • Teachers (21/02/2017, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
        Cant give private lessons during their work hours. Get . Get a grip!
    • @LOL (22/02/2017, 14:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You a idiot or wa. Whether or not their get money privately the under paid salary is not what they deserve idiot.
    • @LOL (22/02/2017, 16:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Maybe if they were paid better, they won't go do private practice. What do intentions of running for politics have to do with this injustice. This was just recently unraveled but it existed before. Are you saying that depending on the party injustice should remain in the dark?. By the way, our Deputy premier is who? Mike drop.
  • Xxx (21/02/2017, 16:00) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    Tell um girl
    • farmer brown (21/02/2017, 20:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The silence of those elected is callously and morally reprehensible.
  • HSA (21/02/2017, 16:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The information on the nurse is not the true picture either. The salary does not reflect a full time arrangement. Sometimes information can be detrimental and misleading if not used properly. I hope the HSA uses this opportunity to set the record straight as the public needs to know some of these issues on either side. All is not what it seems.
    • @HSA (22/02/2017, 17:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Your right...there must be some other explanation with that 1 nurse. But explain the rest.
  • Go sit down @LOL (21/02/2017, 16:17) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Stop making everything political!! Please. The minute people decide to stand up for themselves they are always accused of wanting to run for politics (which by the way isn't a bad thing) or something negative that is so far fetched and false.
    • Common Sense Prevails (23/02/2017, 09:08) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Now they back off and let the process be handled in the correct way. This is what they should have done in the beginning. Or if they wanted to make a point, tell your story to the press but don't strike. It is not classy nor is it BVI style.
  • okay (21/02/2017, 16:42) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply

    What does Sharie know about this situation? Does she has direct information or is she posturing and playing politics? As a young educated person she needs to be careful and strategic. You cannot comment publicly on things that you don't have all the information about. It's funny how the Hospital workers should get a raise but nobody wants to pay a raise in fees, as sensible people how the £$%^ can we behave like this? The only way hospital workers can get a raise is if fees are raised. The Hospital pays its staff from revenue generated, that's common sense. I wonder if deCastro will stand with Minister Skelton and the HSA CEO when they do a review of fees and increase accordingly so that the workers' salaries can be increased as well?

    • @okay (22/02/2017, 17:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I see your point. But I have been there. And compared to other hospitals the focus is not straight. Priorities are not right. This is a priority
  • Oh Please (21/02/2017, 16:56) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some of those seem to always be on strike... can you imagine going to an emergency room and having to wait very long hours just to see a doctor, seems like they always on strike to me then. That's just ridiculous and on top of that if seems like they never know anything because they always have to Google any littlie issue that a patient might have. Don't let some of them fool you either they come here and they are on contracts with incentives.
    • VI gurl (21/02/2017, 21:40) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Stop being so negative you are making a big generalization. I have been to the ER several times as a patient and with relatives. And there are times people get through quickly. But because you and most people love negativity you will comment on the times when times did not work out well and act like nothing ever goes right. The ER staff is overworked and under paid for the hours they work.
    • @oh please (22/02/2017, 17:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you read the other articles one of the issues is the gross discrepancies. Everyone not getting the same incentives. And have you considered that the long wait in ER is due to low staff? Look at the salaries...in comparison to other places they are grossly under paid. You pay for what you get. So if you pay pocket change expect peanuts....
      • Oh Please (27/02/2017, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I always get what I pay for, never spent pocket change when it comes to my health. I have no time to waste going to Peebles to have a long wait and deal with shit because they can't get their acts together.
  • you know (21/02/2017, 16:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Some of us are inherently crude callous and without finesse. It is evident when we ask or make requests. Some of us just do not know how but should steer clear of personal and sensitive live or die careers such as becoming a physician.
  • stranger (21/02/2017, 16:58) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    You just looking more votes. Nobody really cares about the plight of VI people. Strangers in their own land.
  • officer (21/02/2017, 17:19) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lol and sit ya lol down. talk about free capitalisation guick fame
    • Campaign Season began last December (21/02/2017, 18:35) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Yes, you can tell when it's silly season. Every issue has a champion and at times the same champion. Only one year to go now before home stretch! Be careful BVI, the NDP is not looking great right now, as these are challenging times every where and for every Government and every country. Currencies are falling by the day and public purses are going low everywhere; but as you can see from the greatest nation on earth, we can still get worse than these NDP! The US thought Obama was bad and Hillary would be more of Obama and now they have their judgment. Let's learn our lesson there and not repeat it.
  • Breedbow (21/02/2017, 19:40) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who asked that over-deh-hill DeCastro girl anything? It is obvious, and this opinion may or may not be printed, but it is obvious someone is looking to gain some political mileage. We the voters are seeing through a lot of these stories. Most are written to make NDP look bad. But remember, elections are often decided in favour of the party getting the most attention. According to the law of attraction, energy goes where attention flows. Trump had most attention and look at where he is now -- President of the good ole USA and he can't move the country forward without taking a step backwards. Watch where you place your energy between parties; it may come back to haunt you.
    • Well (22/02/2017, 07:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      For the same reason the Virgin Islands will not progress because of people like you with your CRAB mentality. Always quick to call down people and not address the situation. But I know that even when they knew Christ was the Messiah they still Crucified him.
      Sharie don't mind the naysayers who continue to bad mouth you. Doctors stand up for your rights because no one will do it for you.
  • tola (21/02/2017, 19:50) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well bougivilla is open from 7am to 11pm lol lol
    • @ tola (21/02/2017, 20:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The genesis of such a blog is simplistic thinking, which rejects the very complexity of the issue it seeks to address.
    • tola2 (21/02/2017, 20:41) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      after 11pm they going to send you Peebles because they going to close
      • PURPLEGOTUM (23/02/2017, 08:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        you talk too hard, Bourgainvillea got the guts to be 24-HOUR WALK IN CENTRE. LET THE DOCTORS STAY THERE STRIKING, THEIR WELL TO ACHIEVE HIGHER WAGES IS STRIKING AGAINST THEM.
  • qc (21/02/2017, 19:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Just to be clear, she is speaking good!
    • Yes (21/02/2017, 20:44) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      This is not a public speaking contest of eloquent rhetoric. It needs maturity and a clear balanced mind. Not political gymnasts.
  • People (21/02/2017, 20:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Much of what this government stands for (if indeed they stands for anything) is abhorrent.
    • Jack B Nimble.. (22/02/2017, 05:32) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      They all afraid of Clyne. Now they are pressuring this poor new lady. .Stand firm my Lady. God is good... U will prevail this cowardly act v
  • Thanks (21/02/2017, 20:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't like what the doctors are doing, but it isn't beyond the pale.
  • Reeses (21/02/2017, 21:44) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    So where are these individuals thoughts about their future ? Too bad that in addition to basic human decency and ethics,they are void of common sense. Kenya is the only place that I know about with doctors ransoming their patients.
    • @Reeses (22/02/2017, 17:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let's see you work for 24 hours....and for more than 40 hours....and take promise notes to the bank to pay student loans and One Mart. Then talk about human decency. These people have bills just like us. Further more let's talk about the coercion and unfair discrepancies. Its not just about the money. Read all the articles
  • wize up (21/02/2017, 21:57) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is my first time hearing about doctors striking in the territory more money for the palace and the other complex!!!!
    • @wize up (22/02/2017, 17:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If this is the first time you hear about doctors taking industrial action you clearly don't listen to your news. They had one in Trinidad a few months ago. One in England went national. This is not new.
  • shark (21/02/2017, 22:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    They have recruited doctors from the Phillipines,done deal.
  • Street reporter (22/02/2017, 05:29) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why they didn't do this when Clyne WA's in charge. Clyne had a much better chance of getting things done for them. But they were afraid of Clyne. They knew Clyne was all about Clyne. Clyne did nothing for nurses and Doctors especially expats...Too me the most ungodly thing is to have an xpat nurse or Doctor serving the bvi in excess of ten years and still have to go to immigration to get time.. After ten years of service they should be given some kind of status ... I've been asking Clyne to look into this matter with no avail....
  • Honorable DeCastro (22/02/2017, 08:04) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only God can stop you- bless you my daughter
  • wow (22/02/2017, 09:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Children Melee!!! Well Sah!!!
  • Political Observer (22/02/2017, 10:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Though it is good retail politics to be at the tip of the spear on issues,
    one has to be strategic and tactical on issues. One has to be armed with the full story (his side, your side and the truth) before projecting off the launch pad. Medical professionals provide essential and critical services. Under the terms and conditions of employment, medical professionals are or should be classified as essential employees. Doctors getting the "White Flu" well that is something altogether.
    • @Political observer (22/02/2017, 17:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sounds like you saying they were not sick? Mental sickness from undue and prolonged stress actually exist. Check your blood pressure
  • Surprised (22/02/2017, 14:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    They don't respect the people who saves people lives? Something is wrong with this government.
  • This ain't new!! (22/02/2017, 15:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Back in 2015 when they open the new hospital staff was fussing amongst each other about not being paid untime or uniform pay for some and other had to pay out of pocket, it just took a while for the pot to boil over .Just look at how many local nurses have left in the last 2yrs after their contract end (sent away to school and came back to work off what was paid) ,if the government would make better spending choices all this could be rectify.
  • Quiet thought (22/02/2017, 15:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well, I don't know, but the last time I went to the hospital the fees were raised over 150% for the same service. Well actually, I got medication the time before and didn't the last time so that was even worse. It frightened the hell out of me. But I had to pay it, so why they holding back on the doctors' salaries? You all disrespecting the doctors man. History has taught us not to disrespect the doctors!
  • Concerned (23/02/2017, 20:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look, I agree they standing up for their rights but look the government are having trouble already having to pay all these workers but yall decided to be simple minded and leave. When they are alot of sick people waiting to be healed cause they have critical condition.
    You guys have to think this through? If yall don't want to help then why did yall want to be a doctor?


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