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VG residents ‘angry’ with leaders over promised medical facility

- label NDP government the worst ever
Phase One of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda seems far from complete! Photo: VINO
It is not clear what is the exact reason for work on the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre coming to a halt as Government has been silent. Photo: VINO
It is not clear what is the exact reason for work on the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre coming to a halt as Government has been silent. Photo: VINO
The contract for the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre was awarded to the amount of Five Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Seven Dollars and Thirty-Nine cents ($5,969,687.39). Photo: VINO
The contract for the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre was awarded to the amount of Five Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Seven Dollars and Thirty-Nine cents ($5,969,687.39). Photo: VINO
Ninth District Representative Dr The Hon Hubert O'Neal could not be reached for a comment on the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda. Photo: File
Ninth District Representative Dr The Hon Hubert O'Neal could not be reached for a comment on the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda. Photo: File
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI – “It’s only when they want something from us we see them. When they want us to vote they come until we fed up of them. We want you all not to come tell us about this white elephant you all call a facility,” said Virgin Gordian M. S. Creque.

“And worse, look at the condition of that place, overgrown with grass. For all you know it’s one of the breeding grounds for the Zika mosquito. We are ashamed, we feel insulted as a people. This is the worse we have ever been treated by any government,” said the obviously frustrated woman.

At the time of venting, Ms Creque was very concerned that the promised new medical facility on Virgin Gorda started and stopped abruptly with no one having the kind courtesy of telling residents what’s the problem.

Angry with NDP Gov’t

“If you have children and you don’t have food for them you have to tell them and they will drink water and go sea side and fish. If you don’t tell them they will sit and look at you and if you come forward without anything they get angry with you. NDP Government you made us angry with you,” she added.

According to the woman and several others this news site spoke with over the past weekend, they learned from sources other than the government that the contractor of the new facility, Todman and Co, encountered problems with certain materials that resulted in the stoppage of the project.

“We went seeking answers, no one came and told us anything, what we gather is that Todman got troubles, he started before he ready because of the political rush,” claimed another.

Another said, “I heard Bertie [Dr The Hon Hubert O’Neal] on ZBVI saying in October it will start back. How can it be when the steel frames are not ordered? The work that is done was donated by James Todman.”

At the ground breaking ceremony, Project Contractor Mr James Todman had pledged twenty-eight thousand dollars ($28,000) towards the equipping of the medical facility.

Cabinet awarded the contract for the construction of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre to James Todman Construction Ltd. The contract was awarded for the amount of Five Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Seven Dollars and Thirty-Nine cents ($5,969,687.39).

Contractually, Phase One of the project is to be completed by December 2016.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Petrona N. Davies at the ground breaking ceremony had said Phase One includes the construction of two floors and the complete fit out of the ground floor. The building will consist of 18, 270 square feet of space. "And this phase of construction is to be completed over a period of 12 months at an investment of five million nine hundred and sixty-nine thousand, six hundred and eighty-seven dollars and thirty-nine cents, to be financed entirely by the Government of the Virgin Islands."

No hospital but bigger clinic

“It’s in every way they deceived us. First of all they promised us a hospital, now it’s a mini clinic, clinic extension, facility all sorts of things they naming it now, every other thing but no hospital,” said Ms Creque.

After telling the people of Virgin Gorda, as one of their campaign promises, that they were going to build a new hospital on the sister island, the National Democratic Party (NDP) government went ahead with the construction of a facility that will be known as the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre.

The Ground Breaking and Contracting Signing Ceremony for the construction took place on Monday March 30, 2015.

Many residents of Virgin Gorda were hanging on to the promise that they would have been getting a fully equipped hospital that services proved on par as Peebles Hospital on Tortola, though a much smaller facility.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton had told the people that it will be a 24-hour service facility.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Government officials, including Hon O’Neal, for an update on the construction of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre were unsuccessful.

43 Responses to “VG residents ‘angry’ with leaders over promised medical facility”

  • ta ta (12/09/2016, 10:43) Like (140) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good for you all who tell you all to vote for um
    • rewrsdffds (12/09/2016, 13:51) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
      @TaTa, people make mistakes. Come next election, it will be different. These backyard behind the barnyard door NDP is not going to get over with the lying promises. They come to my door with the lies to get my votes, I am going to pelt them with rotten eggs and set my dog loose on them. You only know us when you want the vote other than that, you don't know or have no use for us. So stay the hell away from me. I can't stand the ways of that sickening NDP gang. They can all go kick rocks.
      • YAWN (12/09/2016, 14:34) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
        You said the same thing in 2012-2013 but in 2014-2015 when the goodies started flying, you still vote them back in. Why do you think the country is broke? Do you think all those 'vote for me' goodies were out their pockets? The same thing will happen again and both parties do it so stop the noise. If you think a vote for any man or party can change things for you or this country then you in trouble. You better look within yourself for that much needed change.
        • rewrsdffds (12/09/2016, 18:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          @Yawn, if you are talking to me, you are talking to the wrong person. As far as goodies, I don't take bribes/goodies. The only goodies I take is my husband D..k. How about that.
    • "WA YUH BAWLING FAH?" (13/09/2016, 15:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      ....and i quote, not my words but Sistah Joyce.
  • Well (12/09/2016, 11:00) Like (25) Dislike (20) Reply
    The other party was in there for years and did nothing also so I will come to the conclusion that none is better than the other.
    • @ Well (12/09/2016, 11:22) Like (16) Dislike (13) Reply
      then let's get rid of both ndp and vip bam
    • @Well (12/09/2016, 11:29) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have a point to some degree BUT people are too gullible. I live in the same area and it is a shame. Also nobody isn't talking about the other building behind the existing clinic that they wanted to housed the hospital in the first place. To this day, that building has no windows and wouldn't be suprised goats, cats among others graze there. As a young person, I am ashamed of all these Politicians past and present. Spineless set of individuals and wonder why BVIslanders do not want to return home. Well guess what, I would stay abroad if I was them!
      • states (12/09/2016, 12:58) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
        Feel sorry for what you guys have to go through. The only way I would return home is if things change. People say the States is bad but, at least here you can make decent money and don't have to worry about the nonsense with the onesided Government.
    • Born,bred V.Gordian (12/09/2016, 11:42) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Well said to the last comment.Not only the clinic look at the ports only awaiting an accident.Today all the day trippers from St.Thomas at the main terminal barge leaving for Trellis,regular ferries,arriving,departing some day,someday shit will happen.Ralph told during his last campaign that equipment will be in Manchineel bottom in next couple of weeks up to now what.Archie call him out on that and he wa staken to the cleaners so what all the same damn thing liers ,liers
  • makes no sense to argue (12/09/2016, 11:20) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even when they.....sorry Even IF it finished , we still gonna have wake ppl out their bed to get their boat to take us town so whats the point....Ms. Creque im jus as frustrated as u but I beg u try save ur strength ya hear me....waste of time
  • What About (12/09/2016, 11:39) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    What is the update on the new Elderly home in Spooners?
    • chad (12/09/2016, 15:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wa elderly home that was a GI.ick for (SKC) to make some money ting the talk
  • concern (12/09/2016, 11:54) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    People the government doesn't have any money. Mr. Todman invested alot of his own money to start the project with government promise to pay him back, and hasn't yet - so he stopped working, business is business.
  • VG-1 (12/09/2016, 12:03) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had a talk with one or our sister Islands district coordinators and they told me they are waiting for the steel frame of the structure to arrive from china...what a joke...who they think they are fooling...that was just a election gimmick.lets look at the bright side that someone will make a little money to cleanup the work site just before the next upcoming elections.Virgin Gorda , Anegada and Jost Van Dyke don't get anything and we ain't going to get anything..trust me.
    just remember in an emergency The rich citizens can always fly out to Miami... but we can't.
  • Virgin Island Virgin (12/09/2016, 12:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Yeah what about the elderly home Mr. Skelton? You spent over $1 mill. on a piece of road and some wall - and that is it!! To me that was just a gimmick to get ..........some concrete work and to some of .......chosen 'contractors'. Yet for years now you have been silent on this vital and important development for those persons whom paved the way and built this country so these political gangs can destroy and neglect them.

    Shame SHAME SHAME on you as a 'son of the soil'. Lack of clearly defined priorities and clouded judgement is why we have so many unfinished over-priced projects.

  • Feroza (12/09/2016, 12:16) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you see the end of 2018 into early 2019 for the next election, you gonna start to see them round your house and in your face like flies. I beg "aya" please do not pass by my side eh, please stay away!!!!! For the last 2 elections, all we have been seeing is sufferation in this country. Instead of you try to make life better for the people, you sucking out dry dry dry. The people are crying, the people are hurting.
  • Outspoken (12/09/2016, 12:41) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Should this be any surprise. Tell what the NDP ever started that come to a complete finish. Always lying to people to get votes and the people so blind to be accepting and living on broken promises.
  • Yes (12/09/2016, 12:43) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    I didnt know vg people does get vex
  • Street reporter (12/09/2016, 13:01) Like (14) Dislike (15) Reply
    People get real. U believe NDP because all VIP did was promised. The real culprit here is VIP they had a better chance of getting it done because they were managing a better economy. We really need to try something new.
  • wize up (12/09/2016, 13:22) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Just relax because this project will be done before the other election.....be of good courage
  • Well Sah (12/09/2016, 13:33) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP has blown over 5 million dollars on the airport which is going no where fast and another 7 million dollars to a bankrupt airline that belongs to an outsider.
  • NORTHSOUNDER (12/09/2016, 13:54) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    DR.HANNIBAL WAS TELLING THE PEOPLE OF VG AND ANEGADA THAT THIS WAS GONNA HAPPENED. PEOPLE OF THE 9TH DISTRICT AYO WAKE UP PLEASE.. HE WAS THE ONLY POLITICIAN TELLING THE PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN AND CAN'T EXPECT ABOUT THE NHI - NOW AYO BALLING PLEASE. MY PEOPLE WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE AND SPIT AT IT...
  • Steel Frame (12/09/2016, 13:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The question is why Todman is not given the chance to order the steel frame?
    Why it has to be someone who is not even working with the project wanting to order this frame?
  • i from here (12/09/2016, 14:07) Like (14) Dislike (22) Reply
    So 40 years VIP didn't do anything but you want to kill NDP for 2 years ? LOL!
    • FYI (12/09/2016, 15:38) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE BETTER
    • wize up (12/09/2016, 16:02) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ I from here; great point but some of us don't want to hear that level of conversation but it is a fact...infurstructure that should have been in place throughout this territory over the past 40 years was not done but suddenly NDP get the blame
    • John (12/09/2016, 17:57) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Shut up! You are not from here and you weren't here forty years ago. Who was in charge when they filled in Wickham's? Who brought the Cruise ships here? Who was in charge when the college was built? Were you here when the foundation was built? Tell me if thou knowest. You bunch of credit grabbing tailenders.
      • @ John (13/09/2016, 07:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        You got to be a fool! We talking about a hospital/clinic here! Not the whole of the BVI

        VIP promise VG a hospital/bigger clinic for donkey years and it was never done! NDP promise them one in 2 years, have the foundation built but people on their back because there is a delay in getting some of the material ?????

        So when the material reach and work commence again in a few months, I guess the story will be that the people put pressure on NDP why work begun again right ????????
  • banks (12/09/2016, 14:32) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    I understand the frustration but isn't a Hospital a big Clinic? WTF?
  • Real (12/09/2016, 14:48) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    The reality is people will complain now, but if we got a REAL Government that ran this country in the best interest OF THE COUNTRY they won't last 2 years. Why? That would be a Government that flat out refuses to take calls from party backers when it comes to decisions surrounding the country's affairs and make them in accordance with the facts and evidence at hand. That would mean a Government issuing ALL contracts and appointing persons to ALL positions on the basis of 100% merit/ability and 0% political leaning. That would mean a Government that stop wasting money on hiring heavy equipment and labor to do works that PWD, WSD and other departments are already paid to do. If a real Government were elected, there would be a bi-election as people would say they are not listening to the people. You could never please BVI people, never! 90% of people on blogs bashing either VIP or NDP are the ones who didn't get their way and just bitter. As soon as they get something they want then either party will be the best since butter bread. Look at how many talk show hosts and commentators that we had making noise but as they get a government assignment or contract they're mum? Hmmm.. I'll sip my tea and read the fake outrage comments.
  • vip (12/09/2016, 15:37) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    No Darm Priority (NDP)
  • VG (12/09/2016, 15:40) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    WE GOING ''ALL OUT'' NEXT TIME FOR SURE
  • fyah ras (12/09/2016, 17:15) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply

    I told you all bout them crooks but you all did not listen. i am tired and sick of all of them robbing the people and promising them all sorts of things and can come up with the goods. that O'Neal man is the worst rep in history and he ain't no different from Donald Trump!. Red Fyah! He do not know none of the young youths in VG much less knows the parents. VG and Anegada needs to stop be treated like step children. like our elders use to say "You know what you have but you do not know what you will get"  stop robbing us and treating us like sh*t lying NDP Government! soon the people will have nothing to eat but you all! a set of disrespectful and disgraceful ministers. criminal in suits! you and your all families do not live like we do. LIVING Pay cheque to pay cheque stressing out our selves to end up getting sick and there's no hospital in VG. If any of you all ministers get sick you all get the best treatment else where so why do we have to suffer with empty promises?. how many have to die and we are crying for help? you all soon outta there so make sure ayo pockets full and pray you all don't fall. RED FYAH NDP THIEVES

  • liberal (12/09/2016, 17:34) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don;t think ALL OUT is the right person to represent the 9th district we need someone better and not hot headed... NDP must go! The NDP administration had wreck this country we call home to their own friends and family. Yes we have to blame both parties for not doing enough but for the short ass time the NDP has been in office them got the country upside down and have their supporters tell us that the VIP did nothing but still leave the country with over 30 Million in the cookie jar what we can't find nor hear about where it could be.. Look at the new hospital, that's another issues that people are unaware of the last 2 floors on top are not complete and when completed them what to rent the spaces out and the hospital needs more bed space for itself.. Dam shame on this administration. Again, I was in VG and I was wondering myself on this project and I knew that the NDP used that as an election trick and our people are so darn light headed to like things that glitter with sweet mouth.. We allowed them to fool and lied to the people of this country and we have to standup and say enough is enough on election day and never allowed them back in office. We threw away persons like Dancia, Andrew, Julian, Kieth Flax, Vernon Malone, Alvin and some new ones like OJ, Charmine, lil Ms. DeCastro, Ms. Romeny, & Preston who all could have made a difference and not have our country the way it is today. VG People, I feel your pain being a person with family ties and visit there often more than your rep. But we all have to stand up on election dayand choose the right set of people to work for us and not we work for them.
  • wow (12/09/2016, 19:01) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    don't worry they will finish it just in time for the next election, then these fools will vote for them again
  • tola (12/09/2016, 19:06) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    I ain't feel for ayo you all will wait long that.
  • Talk de Truth (13/09/2016, 02:28) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Despite all the idle gossip and chatter, a simple call to the Ministry of Health and Social Development will answer any persons question with the facts of this project. I'm sure the Ministry of Health has nothing to hide, for example lets state some facts: (1) this project is funded by local funds not a loan. (2) the projects has not been official stopped on any level. (3) the frame is presently on its way to the Virgin Islands from the manufacturer. For more facts people please call the Ministry of Health and Social Development at 468 2282
    • Stop Chat Froth (13/09/2016, 10:40) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      (1) whether local or loan funds it should not have started if money was not there (2) by the time all those bush take it over it would be hell to cut them out, so call it a start over. ...officially stopped (3) the frame should have been here already.
      • @stop chat froth (13/09/2016, 18:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        (1) why it should not have started? Was the Government wait until you paid the taxes you owe to start the project?
        (2) If the rain falling bush will always grow (3) why the frame should have already been here because you say so? (4) you haven't built anything since the plaque around your teeth and gums, giving you $hit to talk!
  • Vi made (13/09/2016, 08:35) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The govt dont need to be the one funding the hospital on vg at all, y dont the millionares like BRONSON ,JOHNSON and the one for GOOGLE who they let bring in everything DUTY FREE donate to build the hospital
    • fyah ras (13/09/2016, 17:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is them same government is making it easy for them. Them same ministers does be sitting down with these Rich men and getting their money under the table. So easy you expect? When Bronson fell some time back is Miami he went!! So yes is them crooks need to fund it. Told has one who funded it? Richie people? Stop talk shit!!
    • facts (14/09/2016, 05:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      D one for google PAYING DUTY. and he helping we get rid o d mosquitos long time before ANY ONE in gurvernment had any thought bout mosquito control
      State o d art mosquito traps Bait. And monitoring of traps too
      Moskito and Oil Nut is who reapin d honey and raping d country


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