‘I think Anegada still is not up to where I like it to be’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
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.“
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9 Responses to “‘I think Anegada still is not up to where I like it to be’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
I must say, however, Ralph T. O'Neal of blessed memory was the Chief Minister and the Represenative for District 9 for a very, very long time and he did nothing. Thank God for the NDP who built them a proper mini hospital and VIP can't even keep the AC running. It is sad how persons comfrotably walk onto the rostrum and ask for reelection when they know within their hearts they have failed the people. The VIP less bad as the school children would say.
While sounds and looking attractive on paper, these professionals depending on where they are coming from are building their careers. The xenophobia would scare off even the bravest of medical professionals willing to take a chance. So what’s the solution then? Maybe having the existing doctors do a rotation fortnightly? Is the salaries being offered commensurate with the remoteness and pace of the island(s)? Has telemedicine been fully rolled implemented; or just partially? The residents deserve better treatment and should demand it now!