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Woman’s death highlights need for resident doctor in North Sound

- residents say it’s time for Government to fix the problem
Persons gather at the home of Ms Linda L. George following her sudden death today, November 11, 2016. Photo: Team of Reporters
North Sound residents are calling on government for a functional medical clinic and resident doctor. Photo: VINO
North Sound residents are calling on government for a functional medical clinic and resident doctor. Photo: VINO
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI – Residents and family of the now late Ms Linda L. George, believed to be in her late 60s, are blaming her death on the shoulders of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government, which has continued to ignore their cries to have the North Sound Health Clinic re-opened.

Several persons called this news site moments ago, blasting the government and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) in this regard. One resident Mr Chester N. Charles said, “The Government really needs to know what happened here.”

Mr Charles related that Ms George was at her home cooking and fell shortly after 8:00 A.M. today November 11, 2016. The fall was reported to a neighbor by a grandson who was at home with her at the time. “When they (neighbours) got there, they realised she was unconscious but she was alive at the time.”

It is reported that the ambulance arrived on the scene promptly but, “No doctor of any kind came until about 9:20 A.M. and she was still alive at 9:05 A.M. Now she is dead. The hurtful side of it is that no nurses came, there was no nurse, the doctor came late plus they had no stretcher to put her on,” alleged the man.

Mr Charles and others expressed sadness in seeing the woman having to be fetched out of her home lifeless on a made-shift stretcher – a beach chair.

No nurse, no doctor in North Sound

Persons said that this is more than a wake-up call for the government and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to finally heed their call to have an active medical facility in the North Sound community. “The clinic is closed, there is nobody, no nurse, no doctor up here there is nobody,” exclaimed Mr Charles.

“It was very hard that family members had to watch her breathe her last breath at 9:05 all this time no Doctor or nurse had arrived after they made the 911 call just after 8:00am,” he alleged. “He (the Doctor) could have been here at least 8:30am and she could have been alive today,” said the man.

According to the concerned resident, neighbours and residents who ran to the woman’s aid did not touch her as they were not sure of her condition and were being cautious as not to cause any further complications, “That’s why everyone waited for the doctor. But the ambulance came, no nurse, no doctor now we are all mourning a death of a loved one, a life that could have been saved had there been an active health facility here at North Sound with a resident doctor. This is something that we all have been begging for, begging for.”

52 Responses to “Woman’s death highlights need for resident doctor in North Sound”

  • vex (11/11/2016, 11:50) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    They hade the people of north sound
    • Hmm (11/11/2016, 12:44) Like (7) Dislike (29) Reply
      people of north sound hate north sound.....you vote now take what you get!!!
      • ns (11/11/2016, 14:16) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        We didn't vote for "him"
      • wow (11/11/2016, 14:17) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
        Y don't you stfu @hmmm is that anything to say in a situation like this. Yes the votes were casted but should that dictate anything like this happening. Either party should make sure that there are propper fascilities everywhere on the island or propper doctors to ensure that we are treated to the best ability. "Take what you get" wow the words of a true small minded idiot
      • Trying to control my anger towards this person (11/11/2016, 14:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        You are a jack@$$!... Ok it didn't work. You need to jump off a bridge with rocks to the bottom for that comment.
  • wow (11/11/2016, 11:53) Like (77) Dislike (6) Reply
    we need so many things up vg but our rep is too busy wanting to fight fraser to do anything for us
  • Candi (11/11/2016, 12:01) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is truly a sad time for the Virgin Gorda community, especially those in North Sound. We all know and love Linda. This is just too much, I really can't believe it. I pray for her family and friends and ask that God embrase them during this difficult time.

    Now, this goes to show that VG does NOT have representation. We need proper representation, not someone by name but a action man. We need a new government!! They're too focused on the wrong things. A dead pier park, selling the country, a waste of time airport project, but the sister islands can't get proper health facilities. We know North Sound clinic isn't the best, but damn it at least have a doctor and a nurse there. Strupes this is RIDICULOUS!!! Dr O'Neal so focused on punching Fraser that he forgot the needs of the people.
  • NS Resident (11/11/2016, 12:04) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well the government is too worried about other petty crap than doing what's necessary to make sure that the tax paying citizens of this country have the necessary infrastructure in place to offset things like this. This is something that could have certainly be avoided if there was atleast one Doctor not nurse on call. I am so angry about this. Our government officials have run this country into the ground. My condolences to the George and Creque families during this very difficult time.
  • NHI (11/11/2016, 12:21) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I guess Ronnie will get a big fist in his jawbone and this will be rectified.

    On a serious note, RIP to the lady and condolences to her family.
  • Bond resident (11/11/2016, 12:24) Like (35) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hear that a young pastor in the North Sound community contacted the district rep. and demanded that he do something about the health care in his community ASAP because the people are ready to call their own town hall meeting to discuss matters affecting them and take such matters to the HOA themselves and fight for what they need...I for one will be ready to back him and the people in our community, I hope we all ready to stand up...
  • just asking (11/11/2016, 12:57) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Was there no one there who knew First Aid to assist, while waiting for the ambulance or doctor?
    • Sunny (11/11/2016, 18:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was asking the same. My condolences to the George family, its so sad that this happened, but i think everyone need to be certified in CPR and be refreshed every now and again. It can save a life.
  • anegada (11/11/2016, 12:57) Like (11) Dislike (18) Reply
    Good funny man and others came up there and fool off you vg ppl so i not wanting to hear ah thing from you all sorry!!!
    • what a joke (11/11/2016, 14:33) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      FOOL you in the ninth district also so you get fool off the same way. DAMN A**HOLE...WITH YOUR STUPID COMMENT
  • Guest (11/11/2016, 13:07) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am sorry for the loss and condolence to the family. Just a thought, an ambulance picked her up promptly and brought her to north sound to find out it was closed with no doctor or nurse. I was wondering why the ambulance just didn't go straight to the valley which is also just a few minutes away..
    • nurse (12/11/2016, 10:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I definitely agree with you on that. I would of definitely take her to the clinic that they know for sure was open instead of having her waiting that time.
  • LA (11/11/2016, 13:22) Like (7) Dislike (17) Reply
    Who knows for sure that she would have lived had there been a stretcher, nurse and doctor?
    • HMMM (11/11/2016, 14:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nobody knows but when you've done all you can then.....
    • Hmm (11/11/2016, 14:23) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      We will never know however a community with seniors a community with so many tourists in boats and hotels nearby and not even a nurse to check your pressure?
      She may not have survived but we will never know ..
      One thing I do know is that living in north sound is risky
      And guess what no one cares .. we have no doctor or nurse , no police , no ambulance , no fire facility ..
      third world country I say it is and definitely no representation from the top down
    • usa (11/11/2016, 15:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      The fact is LA there was no doctor or nurse there so what the ambulance went there for plus all ambulance is equip with a stretcher. For how they are spending tax payers money what are they getting for it .It seems as if the BVI are lacking the people needs. This is very shameful to the rest of the developing world. To the family ,relatives and friends keep praying the lord answer prayers in his own time.
  • to LA (11/11/2016, 14:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    COULD HAVE... (as the caller said in the article)
  • VG Resident (11/11/2016, 14:35) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    I personally don't think that this lady death should have been aired to the public like this. I feel if anything let a family member inform the news site about the situation. If it was my mom or family member I would have take action(I Am sorry to say). IF YOU MR. CHARLES KNOWS THAT WE NEEDS BETTER REPRESENTATION YOU SHOLUD HAVE MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO ATTEND THE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE CATHOLIC CENTER. SOME OF US WANT TO AIR WHATEVER ON THE NEWS SITES AND DONT WANT TO MAN UP TO WHAT WE NEED IN OUR COMMUNITIES. ALL THE POLITIANS KNOW WHAT THEM ABOUT, BUT TIME IS LONGER THAN TWINE!!!!!
  • This is so sad (11/11/2016, 14:45) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to the entire family. Please keep the grandson who went to get help close, extra support/attention and love. May God be with you all.
  • speechless (11/11/2016, 15:05) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vg community: Please organize a march on the HOA for the next sitting and do like they did in Cayman/Bermuda - surround the building and dont let them in/out. Why has this government wasted so much funds on frivolous egotistical projects and neglected the basic needs of the country? The millions used n the airport project plus the $7mil for BVI Airways, the over-priced pier, million dollar wall around ESHS, the monies wasted on all kinds of nonsense yet the people suffer. Who's next? Anegada or JVD? Where is the petition for the VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE in the government by the PEOPLE whom elected them to represent?
  • Tinker bell (11/11/2016, 15:12) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    After reading the post its a speculation that the resident was still alive at 9.05 when its clearly stated she was unconscious and wasn't touched by anyone. The ambulance is first responders and dont carry Nurse or doctor. Yes a nurse and doctor is needed for north sound community. But its also important to think about situations before puting blame.
  • The people of the BVI call snap election (11/11/2016, 15:19) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people Of the BVI demand a snap election. IT IS OUR RIGHT!
  • Enough Is Enough ! (11/11/2016, 15:34) Like (54) Dislike (1) Reply
    Anguilla break away from the three-island-federation Federation back in the 70s. Nevis was threatening the same thing within the last 10 years or less.. The way its looking, Virgin Gorda and Anegada have a Decision to make. Virgin Gorda is in reality being treated like a step child. No wonder we are being referred to as "An Out Island"; as in out of the loop.
    True, Mr. Frazer came to Virgin Gorda a couple weeks ago, and it seemed, (I was there but made no comment) that the attendees were happy to b brought up to date, not only on the Virgin Gorda issues; but the territory's. Example, the challenges of the Financial Services and the ramification it can have if not only fails, but continue to b challenged; the National Bank situation with loan repayment, the ferry/cargo dock which because of serving a double purpose, mans that barges are offloaded at night s with the trucks running into the wee hours.
    True, the situation of the North Sound Clinic being closed for several month now was brought up; but not by Mr. Frazer, but by a resident of North Sound, the wife of the late Riel George who lives just on the opposite side of the clinic. She of course raised the matter and complained effectively, making the point about her mother's condition and need for medical attention not only in case of an emergency situation, but general care.

    The 9th Distric needs a Full-time Representative. Here is why. Two islands with travel time between both almost an hour; both with similar situations; unresolved land issues (on Anegada) and Crown Land on Virgin Gorda that gets mention only at Election time. The votes in the 9th are said to be where the At-Large Candidates get their victory.
    Issues:
    Water problem, Electricity outages, Garbage burning continues to be disposed of and burned in the mountain in the same area as Gorda Peak; workers coming from Tortola by way of Road Town and Trellis Bay, while Virgin Gordians, (builders) cant find work; the clinics. I'll stop there.

    So while Dr. Bertie who knows only about Eyes, wants to take asunder Mr. Frazer's Jaws and don't know how to repair Jaws, should have serious talks with his party about treating Virgin Giorda as a member of the Family, and not like a Step-child as I already stated. In their own words, it is Crystal Clear.

  • Very Upset (11/11/2016, 15:42) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    No Doctor! No Nurse! Well that's as bad as it could get but "the ambulance arrived on the scene promptly..." Aren't the ambulance operators supposed to be trained EMTs? So what was their purpose on the scene if they went and did nothing. To look news? God please help us all!
  • Yes (11/11/2016, 15:47) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Shoulda vote for HANNIBAL..... he woulda make sure it gah nurse
  • wow (11/11/2016, 15:53) Like (10) Dislike (22) Reply
    Wait hold up. How is NDP to blame VG residents have elected Ralph as the representative for how many years and nothing. Now that NDP is in power this woman's death is their fault. My condolences to the family but that should have never been headline news
    • To smh (11/11/2016, 16:53) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
      There used to be a resident nurse living in the now empty apartment upstairs of the clinic... this is not the case now. Get your facts before you comment piss!
    • Jack A (11/11/2016, 21:15) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply

      And how long Ralph been out of office? 5 years. And how long NDP been in office? 5 years. And how long it takes to put a doctor in the North Sound Clinic? 1 day...

      There's why j@*k @$$. That's why the NDP is to blame

    • @ SMH (12/11/2016, 07:04) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      We voted out vip so ndp can fix it but they less so we putting back vip
  • wize up (11/11/2016, 16:13) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Say what you want BUT I am saying the territory moving backwards because on Tortola we no longer have emergency response units in the village: I recall having fire & rescue in various villages
  • trrefdrfds (11/11/2016, 16:21) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    God forbid but itll take something to happen to certain family members until anything is done.
  • VI Donald Trump (11/11/2016, 16:22) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    There should be no shortage of doctors in the Virgin Islands. We have plenty of local doctors who got their education from local people money. As soon as they finish they run go and either work for private companies or set up their own. They should be the ones staffing the government hospitals and clinics until they have work off their bond commitment. Taking taxpayers money and not giving back anything is wrong and should stop.
  • Hmm (11/11/2016, 17:16) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply

    ayo tortola people does really have time to come on the dam news to talk sh*t..... not even a condolence to the family ayo could say buddy. Have some dam heart. stop sit down and talk shi*t. ayo dont know what the hell our family going through.. MY GOD MAN

  • de silent one (11/11/2016, 18:39) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Condolences to the family on the lost of their love one, but why every time something serious happen, people tends to politicize it. For all those years of the VIP Government and Mr. O'Neal who also was the minister of finance had not seen it fit to have built a proper medical facility on the Island that could have been prominent today. We need to stop the bashing of a particular group of people and help to see the completion of the progressing facility.
    • You too are to blame (11/11/2016, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
      My condolences to the family. This is a wake up call. In small communities like NS and beyond, more Persons need to have CPR training that can save lives while waiting for medical personnel.
      All you people do is complain. The government can't save lives persons must be involved in these types of CPR training for themselves. How many of you have these skills. Redirect your energy into positive energy. If she was alive for that long, you also are to blame because all you did or could do is stand helpless and sadly watch her slip away from you.
  • Going to say it..... (11/11/2016, 20:05) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    My heartfelt condolences to the lady family and friends. This is not the time or place to tear each other down.
  • crucian (11/11/2016, 21:15) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones. So sad...
  • Best Bet (11/11/2016, 21:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    They should have called the Fire Dept. CPR would have been perform at least. Those firefighters are trained to to save lives as well. CPR might have helped if someone knew how. Condolences to get family.
  • antigua (12/11/2016, 06:47) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    That million spend on that high school wall could have paid for a doctor on vg
    • thatime (13/11/2016, 10:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      pretend guarat. where is the extra $50.000.000. pier project still unfinished isn't it. Where is the $100.000.000? Peebles still unfinished and semi-furnished. Where is the $7.000.000 for airplane and $5,000.000 for airport study? some people hypocritical, bigoted and insular self keep harping pi&&. You got issues with that minister but all of the ministers faults should be highlighted not just one. sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. George. It is quite a thing when people talk about politicizing issues as if they're above the fray. VIP wanted that house at the back of the present clinic but NDP shunter it and moved in another direction. Sure there was issues that could have been resolved but they got time to shame and blame as is politics but not to fix. Now it sits there a mere shell derelict/dilapidated. There's a contract for lee road worth over $2mil really the road is that bad? If anything istrue about Mr. Fixer/Fixing is that his 2's usually doubles and his timelines triples. So at the end of the day funds for minor things like the outfitting of the NS Clinic with a nurse or doctor or ambulance or fire truck is not there. So when people see their loved ones having to be stretchered out on surf board they MUST lay blame at those who are in charge for the LAST FIVE YEARS. What has this overwhelming mandate done for the whole BVI? It took the opposition going into the 9th district to get the DISTRICT REP to swiftly find himself there. He has lots of passion for what he read on the news but showed no passion towards the plight of the people he represents. Has he ever by these media issued condolences to this family or any of the families who's had similar loss? Oh but am sure he'll do it after being wrapped. Tough you been seeking this position for years and what have you done since given the baton.
  • ... (12/11/2016, 07:05) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    THE NDP HAS BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS
  • Robby (12/11/2016, 09:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @best bet u know ntn about vg if u did u would know that the fire men are the same men running the ambulance doing 2 jobs getting 1 job pay get your facts straight before u come on here talking bout fire man and cpr dummy
  • Observer (12/11/2016, 09:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is only clear that doctors open a clinic since the govt own is disfunctionable at the moment and assist the people of VG.If you are on Tortola it is only wise to alternate your schedule for at least 3 times per week.Sometimes it is not about the money but the life you save that can be yours or that of your family.Think of the bond that can be established there. the people of VG are friendly,helpful and sympathetic people. If I had that skill I will surely be there to work and give a hand.
  • Really (12/11/2016, 11:53) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    Blame game yea all these years you all voted for ralph why he did not build a better clinic or equipped the clinic with the necessary man power and tools to work with here blaming ndp with you all piss condolences to the families i out
    • resident (13/11/2016, 08:10) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Talking bull!!!! A clinic better clinic was built under the VIP but since NDP in power no nurse or doctor in the district ... New clinic just there catching dust and f"""King mold.....the one nurse that was station n d district they up rooted her had her n the valley so she left the country... Because this government one sided wanna work the health care workers like a dam ass and don't wanna pay them....when deal with persons the right way u will get positive results on d other side .....kmft!!!!!
  • OMG (14/11/2016, 20:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Listed to everyone blaming everyone, especially Govenment WTF This is a very sad situation, but in ANY other country the ambulance arrives with EMTs who are trained, the ambulance arrived in a timely manner and the person was assessed. NO Drs NO nurses, the EMTs assess the situation and take action. They dont have Dr and nurses sitting in ambulances awaiting calls, even if our hospital was open the outcome could and would have maybe been the same. Please everyone be kind, its a sad situation and a very lovely lady is no longer with us. At this time ourt love and thoughts go out to the family.


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