‘Health is not a cost, but an investment’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Hon Wheatley was giving remarks at the first-ever BVI Cancer Prevention Conference on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The conference was held in the lobby of the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital by the BVI Cancer Society in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).
“We are reviewing our National Cervical Cancer Guidelines with a focus on integrating HPV DNA testing, expanding vaccination coverage and scaling up treatment access as part of a long-term strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat,” he told the attendees.
The Ministry is also working to enhance regulations that reduce exposure to carcinogens, including restrictions on BPA, certain pesticides and tobacco-related products, while strengthening environmental and occupational health protections
Health is not a cost, but an investment
Hon Wheatley said that to make a lasting impact, ensuring the health system is well-resourced, accessible and resilient is important.
“Health is not a cost, Premier, but an investment. This means securing sustainable funding, nurturing strong partnerships and expanding access to quality treatment and care.”
The Health Minister added that cancer prevention is just one piece of the puzzle, and the government’s commitment goes beyond prevention.
“We must also stand firm in ensuring every person in the Virgin Islands has access to early detection, timely intervention, and the best possible care, regardless of their circumstances.”
Cancer is not an isolated disease
The cancer prevention conference sought to address the main question: BVI, Are We a Cancer State?
Hon Wheatley encouraged all to remember the shared responsibility and hope.
“Cancer is not an isolated disease; it is a reflection of our systems, our environment and our daily choices. By committing to prevention, expanding access to quality care, strengthening environmental safeguards and building robust data and surveillance systems, we can redefine the story of cancer in the Virgin Islands.”
He also urged working together to ensure the VI is not labelled a cancer state but a Territory defined by health equity, resilience and hope.
Hon Wheatley handed over $1000 cash to the BVI Cancer Society as a donation on behalf of himself and his pastor.
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8 Responses to “‘Health is not a cost, but an investment’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
Unless we start taking care of our people bad things will keep happening to us. Follow the example of Ibrahim Traore , and Support African Unity. Black peoples don’t create wars. The white man does. Africa Unite.
In other word, priotise our investment health first, and help or neighbors, as much as we are able to do. Let your doing become the proof of your talking, sir, please. Or else may as well you zipup your mouth on this very needful topic issue.
No love loss, I hope.
Inarguably, the cost of healthcare is high in both developed and developing countries, but it is more so in small developing countries, ie, SIDS. In these locales, creative and effective budgeting efficiency and execution is required to provide the most/best care/services to the most people. Among the myriad of needs the Virgin Islands (VI) [British] has, healthcare is among top priority. Every resident at some point will have a healthcare need(s),?if only preventative care.