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New Iris O’Neal Centre likely by end of 2019 - Hon Malone

-says facility was far from ready when NDP made handing over
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) says the wait for a new and improved medical facility on Virgin Gorda may come before the end of 2019, with an assurance that once opened, the new Iris O’Neal Clinic will be furnished at a level surpassing the current one. Photo: Facebook/JTV
'When we got in, we found that they may have turned it over but the contractor needed to be there another six to seven months in order for him to complete the works that were actually contracted to do,' Hon Carvin Malone told host Cathy O. Richards during his October 8, 2019 appearance on JTV’s Big Story. Photo: JTV/Facebook
'When we got in, we found that they may have turned it over but the contractor needed to be there another six to seven months in order for him to complete the works that were actually contracted to do,' Hon Carvin Malone told host Cathy O. Richards during his October 8, 2019 appearance on JTV’s Big Story. Photo: JTV/Facebook
Artist impression of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. Photo: GIS/File
Artist impression of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) says the wait for a new and improved medical facility on Virgin Gorda may come before the end of 2019, with an assurance that once opened, the new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre will be furnished at a level surpassing the current one.

While throwing stones at the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) administration of Dr D. Orlando Smith’s, Hon Malone pointed to political gimmicks with the NDP's promise to have the clinic opened as part of their 2019 campaign promises. 

NDP Political Gimmicks 

“When we got in, we found that they may have turned it over but the contractor needed to be there another six to seven months in order for him to complete the works that were actually contracted to do,” he told host Cathy O. Richards during his October 8, 2019 appearance on JTV’s Big Story.

The delivery of the Iris O’Neal Clinic is one that the VIP had promised the resident there during their elections campaign and noting that it is not his style to throw anyone under the bus, but stated, “It was not ready, it’s just about ready now to turn over from construction and we are now getting the furnishing and the equipment ready so that we can have the building opened.”

Hon Malone, however, pointed out that on the advice of his Permanent Secretary, he was not prepared to give a date for the opening but pressed by Ms Richards, he indicated that a possible opening date could come before the end of 2019.

As it relates to healthcare for residents on the other sister islands, Anegada and Jost van Dyke, Hon Malone agreed that there are challenges with the sea transport facility.

“The sea transport has to be improved. We will be putting into the budget this year, the procurement of a vessel purpose-built for it,” he said.

Hom Malone noted, “We had one that was deemed to be a sea vessel but it was built for another purpose, so it was not fitting for patients… so we have to make sure that we have this done."

Improved Medical Services  

He said that they are not fully satisfied that 911 is in operation from 8 am – 5 pm and then transferred to another department thereafter, “we have to make sure that the 911 is built out to [be] a 24hr operation that no one misses a beat.”

As it related to resident Doctors and Nurses on the sister islands, Hon Malone said, “there is a scheduled time right now for the doctors, we are looking in terms of making sure that there is 24hr access to the particular services, medical services.”

He said when the Virgin Gorda arm of things are up and running, “We would have dormitories, we would have the clinic moving but at Anegada and Jost van Dyke, we must be able to offer not just a 2-4 or a 9-2 type of business, we have to be able to offer the particular service.”

11 Responses to “New Iris O’Neal Centre likely by end of 2019 - Hon Malone”

  • GG (12/10/2019, 12:21) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
    That's NDP always trying to fool and trick the people, we have to make sure they will never get into power every again.
    • stop (13/10/2019, 08:13) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      WHY YOU HAD TO MENTION NDP?!! Just tell us when the Damn thing opening and stop Blaming and flinging stones man. Why you had to mention NDP!
  • Jimmy smith (12/10/2019, 14:34) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply

    I had told my self that I was going to give the present administration some time, but after eight months in office I for one , is finding it very difficult not to say anything. It appears as if this present administration are very much still in the campaign mode, because everything that they met the NDP did not do this nor that, it would appears as if after eight years of NDP ,they never did anything right no credit is given to them after some 30 years of virgin islands party government, the longest serving government in the history of the bvi is the VIP. I am just reminding you so when this government of green hornets and yes men and woemen who basically do not have a clue, the premier is micromanaging all of them. Kendrick gone, but you get Vincent six of one and half a dozen of the other. I am still waiting for the plan of action to move this country from good to great.

    • 1234 (12/10/2019, 23:02) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      VIP are as inept as NDP we’re, all talk no action. Easier for them to bash NDP rather than actually get on and do anything.
  • Lord o (12/10/2019, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    Thought Ronnie said the Clinic was finished .. Is this another one of those speech of hope that never materialized...
  • NezRez (13/10/2019, 09:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am looking at the drawing of the upcoming medical center. The walls have a lot of glass, which cannot withstand a category 5 or 7 which we had, no matter how hurricane proof you say they are. I have seen this abroad and hurricane proof glass cannot withstand those tremendous winds. Also the roof should be concrete so it doesn't get blown off. I know people like to draw pretty pictures, but it is not safe, given the way our weather has been changing for the worse. Like the Bahamas, we too are very vulnerable to the same hurricanes, and as you can see, nothing was left. That glass would slice and dice people to death. This building should be built strong so in case of emergency, it can be used as a shelter in the time of storms. Just my opinion though.
    • @RezNez (13/10/2019, 11:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      THANK YOUUU! I don’t know WHERE there going with ALL THAT GLASS
    • Not wind (15/10/2019, 07:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's not the wind but all the debris that gets blown around that causes damage to storm proof windows. That's why they invented storm shutters.
      Also, pretty easy to surpass the existing clinic, even with used furniture.
  • Get Real (13/10/2019, 12:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our Architects are living in fantasy land. There are always coming up with these fancy buildings of all glass knowing quite well we live in the hurricane belt.
  • opposition (13/10/2019, 16:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The VIP yet to come up with new ideas
  • say what (16/10/2019, 08:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh NDP, VIP when will Mr Malone reopen the incinerator when will some answers be giving to the residents. With inhalation of those smoke who knows what toxics you intake so many misleading an wrong information to the public


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