In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online, referencing the Gouyave Medical Complex he visited in Grenada, Hon. Wheatley stated that this facility serves as an excellent model for the Virgin Islands. He noted that it exemplifies what the Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda could become and what could be replicated in East End and West End on Tortola as well. Photo: Facebook

The establishment of polyclinics in rural areas throughout the Virgin Islands could significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the territory and reduce the burden on the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo:Internet Source

The Minister elaborated on the services provided at the policy clinic, stating, "What I like about it is that this building has a little bit of everything. It provides various services in one space. I thought to myself, this is what Virgin Gorda needs—somewhere that can handle a variety of minor issues." Photo: Facebook

During the 11th Council of OECS Ministers of Health Conference in Grenada from October 20-24, 2025, the Health Minister visited various health facilities, including the Gouyave Medical Complex located on Health Centre Road in St John, Grenada.

According to a Virgin Islands News Online article dated January 15, 2025, the Iris Penn Smith Clinic in East End was temporarily closed effective January 14 "until further notice" and has not yet reopened. 

In an interview with our News Centre, referencing the Gouyave Medical Complex he visited in Grenada, Hon Wheatley stated that this facility serves as an excellent model for the Virgin Islands. He noted that it exemplifies what the Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda could become and what could be replicated in East End and West End on Tortola as well.

Facilities to handle minor medical issues

He explained, "While I was in Grenada, I attended the 11th Ministers of Health Conference. We had a field trip to visit a polyclinic, which was a relatively new structure located in a remote area of Grenada. It is not a hospital; it is designed to handle relatively minor cases, ranging from deliveries to asthma to minor injuries."

The Minister elaborated on the services provided at the polyclinic, stating, "What I like about it is that this building has a little bit of everything. It provides various services in one space. I thought to myself, this is what Virgin Gorda needs, somewhere that can handle a variety of minor issues."

Hon Wheatley added that this model would also be a good fit for the East End and West End communities: "One polyclinic to serve the East End community and a similar one in West End to serve that area, so that for every little issue, people don’t have to go to the main hospital."

He emphasised, "You have these clinics in the community, serving the community. I really like that model; it’s effective for rural areas and locations outside of the main hospital."