The Government of the Virgin Islands signed a $562,100 contract with Professional Roofing Ltd. for the repairs of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre's roof on Virgin Gorda. Photo: GIS

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) apologised to the people of Virgin Gorda for the delay in getting the repairs to the Nurse Iris O'Neal Clinc done. Photo: GIS

The Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda officially opened with a dedication ceremony in February 2020, following several years of planning and construction delays. Photo: GIS/File

The contract, signed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, will modernise and fix all the issues currently being experienced with the clinic’s roof. 

Once completed, the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre will be able to provide better health services to the people of Virgin Gorda.

Service at the health facility had been disrupted due to air conditioning issues, which forced the clinic’s closure and the opening and operation of a field clinic from October 2025 to February 2026. While services were relocated to the clinic following air conditioning works, the issues with the roof remained. 

Every resident deserves quality health care- Premier Wheatley 

During his remarks at the ceremony, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said, “Every resident of this Territory - no matter which island they call home - deserves quality healthcare delivered in facilities that are safe, resilient, and worthy of the trust our people place in them.”

This, he added, is especially so for residents of the Sister Islands due to their unique geographic circumstances. 

“That is a principle this Government holds firmly, and it is a commitment we intend to honour.”

Acknowledging that the leaks in Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre's roof have been a source of disruption and deep frustration, the Premier apologised for the inconvenience to residents. “To the people of Virgin Gorda, I apologise for all that you had to endure. We have been very cognisant of the inconvenience you faced and your concerns.”

He added that District Nine Representative and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley, has been pushing relentlessly for this project. 

“He has been your voice at every stage…to the community: thank you. Thank you for your patience, your resilience, and your understanding as we navigated the challenges that brought us to this point. Relief is near at hand.”