Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) revealed at the opening of the 4th Annual Caribbean Insurers Limited (CIL) Health and Wellness Expo, that a review of NHI is on the way. Photo: VINO

Amongst the health care providers present were BVI Health Services Authority, National Health Insurance, Eureka Medical Clinic, Pavia Hospital out of Puerto Rico, Bougainvillea Clinic, Corvel Corporation, B&F Medical and Holy Cross Hospital out of Florida, USA. Photo: VINO

Packed auditorium of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: VINO

These sentiments were expressed by Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) when she was speaking on behalf of Minister for Health, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) at the opening ceremony of the 4th Annual Caribbean Insurers Limited (CIL) Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Health First

Speaking at the packed Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Hon Flax-Charles implored, “Change [is coming] like the review of the National Health Insurance, so that no person would have to question if they can afford healthcare in the Virgin Islands. That is the level of commitment the Government of the Virgin Islands has and will continue to maintain; because without healthy people, without healthy families, without healthy children, there will be no Virgin Islands,” she told those gathered.

CIL was highly commended for staging the event and commanding the mammoth support, “As I look into the crowd, I can see the various healthcare provider booths, both local and from overseas... I want to thank you all for your contributions and that of Caribbean Insurers who is spearheading this initiative to ensure that our residents take some time and focus on something we all should make a priority; which is our health,” Ms Flax-Charles said. 

Amongst the health care providers present were BVI Health Services Authority, National Health Insurance, Eureka Medical Clinic, Pavia Hospital out of Puerto Rico, Bougainvillea Clinic, Corvel Corporation, B&F Medical and Holy Cross Hospital out of Florida, USA

‘Invest in People’ – Hon Flax-Charles

Speaking more on behalf of the Health Minister, Hon Flax-Charles said, “You would have heard me say on several occasions emphasizing the importance of investing in the people and this expo demonstrates that, by affording persons free opportunities to learn more about their nutritional and dietary requirements, chronic disease awareness as well as to get people up and moving in fitness activities.”

The Health expo started in the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall with about 15 booths and today, there are more than 40 participants from some of the best healthcare providers in and around the Territory.

Hon Flax-Charles further implored, “And with the growth of events like this, [that] continue to give back to the people, we should always see the need to render support, invite them to the conversation that would ignite change.”

The Junior Minister also performed the ceremonial declaration of the Health and Wellness Expo, to officially open the event.