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Each of the main VI islands should have multiple ambulances– Hon Flax-Charles

-says health matters on the sisters islands remains a troubling situation in reference to transferred ambulance
Following the complaints of a local calypsonian about the transferal of an ambulance from Virgin Gorda (VG) to Tortola over the weekend, at-large representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles says each of the main islands in the territory should have multiple ambulances. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Joycelyn Searles aka Sistah Joyce on Monday, October 24, 2022, on 'Da Morning Braff' has complained that the ambulance was reportedly transferred from the island between Friday evening, October 22, 2022, and Saturday morning, leaving the island with no EMS vehicle. Photo: VINO/File
Joycelyn Searles aka Sistah Joyce on Monday, October 24, 2022, on 'Da Morning Braff' has complained that the ambulance was reportedly transferred from the island between Friday evening, October 22, 2022, and Saturday morning, leaving the island with no EMS vehicle. Photo: VINO/File
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI– Following the complaints of a local calypsonian about the transfer of an ambulance from Virgin Gorda (VG) to Tortola over the weekend, At-Large representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles says each of the main islands in the territory should have multiple ambulances.

“I was at the USVI/BVI Friendship day event… The minute that I got that call, I got up out my seat and I went to the minister of Health...,” she said.

Joycelyn Searles aka Sistah Joyce on Monday, October 24, 2022, on 'Da Morning Braff' complained that the ambulance was reportedly transferred from the island between Friday evening, October 22, 2022, and Saturday morning, leaving the island with no EMS vehicle.

Nobody was aware of situation - Hon Flax-Charles 

Hon Falx-Charles, speaking on the same radio programme, added that nobody was aware of what situation was going down in Virgin Gorda regarding the transfer of the Ambulance, leaving the island without an EMS vehicle for that day.

“So we must put some other plan in place, [such as] the maintenance, additionally each of these main islands should have more than one ambulance… and I know that money might be a challenge,’ she added.

Hon Flax-Charles related, however, that when it comes to health no cost should be spared. 

The Jr Minister said; however, she witnessed the return of the ambulance to the island, after taking action including notifying the premier, and the subject minister, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).

Equal treatment for all in VI - Hon Flax-Charles 

“Whatever the communication and whatever the issue, all of us in this territory pay taxes, all of us should have equal treatment,” she said.

The Junior Minister said she has gone a step further to enquire from persons who live in the US about how to get a new ambulance. 

Hon Flax-Charles said that health on the Sister Islands remains a troubling situation, “imagine not being able to have an ambulance to the dock in Virgin Gorda,” she added.

22 Responses to “Each of the main VI islands should have multiple ambulances– Hon Flax-Charles”

  • Why (26/10/2022, 09:21) Like (49) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why do the ministers only speak on radio shows and on Facebook. Surely she is in a position to enable change. Use it! Stop the sound bites!
    • @Why (26/10/2022, 10:20) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY THE SAME THING. WHY TALK ABOUT IT, WHY NOT JUST FIX IT. A SET OF WASTE. MAKING NOISE WITH NO SOLUTION IN SIGHT. TALK TO MUCH.
    • dumb (26/10/2022, 21:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      She means ambulance boats, there is only one hospital.
    • unvaxx 4ever (27/10/2022, 00:08) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hope she don't hook up with Fraser in the future, would be a hairstyle corruption in the BVI.
  • yeah (26/10/2022, 09:29) Like (5) Dislike (18) Reply
    For once Flax I support your sentiments. East end has a fire station and so one ambulance should be stationed there in order to have efficient service. The deputy premier installing speed bumps on the highways which are already impeding the efficient service of the ambulance, and so to deal with such situations one should be servicing the east, road town and west end. Virgin Gorda is much smaller one could service the entire island and likewise for the others. But this is a good gesture. Now we will get excuses about staffing issues and monies. The fire service is equipped as first responders and if you go to many countries and Islands you will realize it is a combined service. One does not work without the other. Let's fix this issue.
  • Celly (26/10/2022, 09:52) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    We should have multiple ambulances, obviously we will need more paramedics. Encourage persons with a decent salary so that they want to do the job.
  • VG Resident (26/10/2022, 09:59) Like (31) Dislike (5) Reply
    She only have voice now pushing she agenda
    We see you
  • NONESENSE (26/10/2022, 10:05) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just like each of the islands mandatorily had Pfizer and AstraZeneca vax on standby. Put that same energy into getting those damn ambulances!
  • The TRUTH (26/10/2022, 10:33) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Cough up the money then
  • solution (26/10/2022, 10:43) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Every person convicted of illegal gun/ammo possession in the BVI shoud be sentenced to buy a new ambulance for their island's health authority together with the 2-10 year prison sentence.
  • Island boy (26/10/2022, 11:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ the truth, get back that unearned money they gave to the so called Consultations & buy the necessary equipment for the small islands.
  • @ VG QUEEN ???? (26/10/2022, 12:34) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHEN YOU ALL JOINED TOGETHER AND SQUANDERED OUR TAXPAYERS MOOTTNEY ON THE BARGES / CONSULTANT AND THOSE FAKE FARMERS AND FISHERMEN , DIDN'T THAT
    PRIORITY CROSS YOUR MIND ( OH I FORGOT , SITTING IN THE ROAD FOR PUBLICITY STUNTS WAS MORE IMPORTANT
  • Loose mouth (26/10/2022, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some people are getting on radio and giving speeches as though they are in a Public speaking competition. Sounding pretty or intelligent on radio is good but if all of these persons with pretty talk and intelligence could get together in a room and put together a strategic plan to deal with all of these vexing matters that are plaguing our territory we could move mountains. But that is the problem speaking with one voice has never been our strong point in this territory. Not with each person trying to be the "star" in every situation that is being addressed. I agree with the suggestion the Hon. Member gave in her speech..Putting an ambulance in every district and a plan to evacuate persons with emergency medical conditions from.our sister Islands should be implemented
  • Common Sense (26/10/2022, 15:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    ... ain't always common.
  • E. Leonard (26/10/2022, 17:57) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mustang, another blogger, in a post under Sista Joyce commentary, noted:”Ambulance services are vital to the health, safety, and well-being of BVI residents.” Roger that. True, the VI has more needs than budget but investing in/on health services must be a Priority 1. Reliable, responsive ambulance services save lives; seconds matter The territory should be mapped out for strategically placing ambulances so that for the most part all residents in the VI should have minimum equal response times for ambulance services. Ambulances should be located fire stations and preferably staffed with EMS and EMT. Brake downs happen and periodic maintenance is needed so having one ambulance is not ideal; at least one back is needed. Ambulances like other equipment have lifecycles. As such, ambulances should be budgeted for replacement as it approaches 85-90% of its lifecycle. The VI does not have just in time (JIT) delivery for critical parts; critical parts may have a long lead time to procure so a high-low inventory must be established.

    • @E. Leonard (26/10/2022, 20:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E. Leonard, ah you been in America too long. The things that are done in America the BVI may not be able to afford it and it on the scale as America does it. The typical standard in America in the City limit is that all properties are located so that the response time for fire and ambulances are relatively equal. In many cities, each fire engine has at least one EMT assigned. Furthermore, when you dial 911, police, fire and ambulance shows up on the scene. The BVI show aim to meet this minimum standard.
  • Shem (26/10/2022, 18:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where does this crazy woman came from .why don't you buy and give each island multiple instead of beating your lips dem
  • Mr E (26/10/2022, 19:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We still waiting on your history on the island people them name and it's origin and for what purpose / surly its not centuries ago / I hope it's not amnesia
  • Management (27/10/2022, 07:43) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's a symptom of the poor management of the health services.
  • From long time (27/10/2022, 12:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its time for VG to get its own power too dont you think? necker island got its own #BranchOff #SpeakUp!


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