Nurses' absenteeism being 'investigated'- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Reports of nurses absent from work at clinics across the islands surfaced on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and the BVIHSA, in a statement, said that while it was aware that several community health staff members had reported sick, it had not received any formal notification of industrial action or organised protest.
“As a result of the reduced staffing levels, services at some community clinics have been impacted or significantly reduced. Currently, services remain available at the clinics on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, while the Authority works to address staffing at other locations,” the statement added.
Accreditors are here, nurses are absent- Hon Wheatley
On the evening of March 12, 2026, Hon Wheatley was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Central Tortola’s meeting, during which he addressed the alleged sick-out.
“We’re not actually sure what is happening,” he confirmed.
He assured that the VI’s health institutions are accredited but go through yearly evaluations.
“One is happening right now in the BVI; the accreditors are here. So they’re going to various clinics and so forth.”
According to Hon Wheatley, the accreditors visited clinics in Road Town, Jost van Dyke, and Long Look between March 11 and 12, 2026, and nurses were absent at all locations.
He said he called to inquire about the reason, whether it was a strike or a sickout and has not received a “firm answer”.
“So it is being investigated as to exactly [what is happening]. Did someone write a letter and say if you don’t do x,y,z, we’re going to stay home? The answer is no. Did someone say anything? The answer is no. So we’re not really sure what is happening.”
In efforts to lighten the mood, Hon Wheatley added, “Maybe there’s a pandemic going around with nurses that we don’t know about.”
The BVIHSA advised patients to seek emergency care at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital if necessary.
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13 Responses to “Nurses' absenteeism being 'investigated'- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley ”
pay the people a fair wage
Nurses on sick out they are alone. Probably will get some money.
Bottom of the disorganization Housekeeping, Maintenance etc. Carry news higher up not a quarter in the pocket, just feeling good they can be usefull idiots.
BVIHSA is really a sick place.
I think the Nurses did a poor job of publicizing that they were undertaking an industrial action if that's what it was.
The Nigerian nurses I met last year weren't very happy with things here. That's probably all the intel I have on the topic. They were disappointed with their migration experience...