Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), has raised concerns regarding healthcare services in the sister islands of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. He believes that the services are not currently meeting expectations. Photo: BVIHSA

During his appearance on Talking Points on Monday, May 11, 2026, on ZBVI 780 AM, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley stated, “I think Anagada still is not up to where I like it to be, in terms of the staffing, where the doctor goes in the three days a week, it has been so forever, but you know the challenges of keeping the doctors and the doctors wanting to go over there.” Photo: Facebook

Staffing remains a concern

During his appearance on Talking Points on Monday, May 11, 2026, on ZBVI 780 AM, Hon. Wheatley stated, “I think Anegada still is not up to where I like it to be, in terms of the staffing, where the doctor goes in the three days a week, it has been so forever, but you know the challenges of keeping the doctors and the doctors wanting to go over there.” 

Healthcare options on the smaller sister islands of Jost Van Dyke and Anegada are mainly provided by public community clinics managed by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA). These clinics focus on primary care, non-emergency checkups, and minor treatments. Due to limited medical infrastructure, major trauma or complex medical emergencies require immediate boat or air evacuation to Tortola or other nearby islands.

Committed to improving healthcare in sister islands

The minister emphasised that healthcare services in Anegada should ideally be available seven days a week.

He expressed his commitment to improving healthcare as minister and stated, “I’m pushing it to make sure these things. Jost van Dyke has the same challenge with a doctor there, one or two days a week.” 

He urged residents of these islands to pursue qualifications in healthcare delivery, saying, “We have to do better, but I also encourage the residents to take an interest in studying these subjects and coming back to serve.“