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Virgin Islanders are ‘secretive’ about their health- Dr Sharlon Lewis

- said this mentality can often be to their detriment
(L-R) Talking Points Co-hosts Damion C. Grange, Violet Thomas-Gaul, guests President of the BVI Cancer Society Gloria A. Fahie, Dr Sharlon Lewis and Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Central Tortola Abigail O'Neal. Photo: Facebook
October is being recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Internet Source
October is being recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Internet Source
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Dr Sharlon Lewis has said Virgin Islanders are very secretive when it comes to their health, which can be detrimental.

Speaking on Talking Points on Monday, September 29, 2025, Dr Lewis said, “I think one of the problems we have in the BVI when it comes to healthcare, people are very secretive, and it’s not just being private, it’s not just wanting to keep your information to yourself.”

She added that many people are facing health conditions and will not speak to anyone. 

“When they get the diagnosis, their first instinct is to go away and not be treated here; they don’t want their business on the streets or whatever the case is.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Meantime, October is being observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters'.

The BVI Cancer Society and the Rotary Club of Tortola have partnered to observe the month which begins today, October 1, 2025. 

The President of the Cancer Society, Ms Gloria A. Fahie, who was also a guest on Monday’s Talking Points, said the society will observe a “scaled-back” Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“We’re not doing t-shirts at all…so we’re going to be doing our normal bucket drives and going to the different schools and different businesses that invite us to talk.”

She said these have proven to be more effective in getting the message of Early Detection Saves Lives’ out, adding, “We can’t say it enough.”

Ms Fahie also said she receives many calls every day, and some of these cancers she is informed about can be prevented. 

Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Abigail O’Neal, aka 'Abby', said the club believes in partnerships. 

“Rotary believes we have to partner with organisations out there in our communities that are doing this work already in whatever avenue of service it is, so we can enhance the work that is being done, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel when we’re not necessarily the experts at it.”

17 Responses to “Virgin Islanders are ‘secretive’ about their health- Dr Sharlon Lewis”

  • Macky (01/10/2025, 11:12) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    I agree with them too. I don't want my health info in the market square. There should be (maybe there are but I don't know) laws that protect against sharing personal health information about individuals. Their names should be redacted from documents. Mr/Mrs X have such & such condition with such factors and these options. It should never be that Mr/Mrs J Doe have diabetes and etc. That info should be private. Perhaps the point being made is that ppl need to seek help more openly, but that should be their prerogative. Men especially ignore symptoms and that should not be the case, they should be assured that they can seek medical help privately and securely without it threatening their manhood. Healthcare has become expensive & preventative care requires open communication so let's put things in place to facilitate that dialog in a secure and safe manner so we feel comfortable.
  • Why wouldn’t they? (01/10/2025, 11:12) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    There are no laws in place to keep even the so called health professionals from reveling people’s medical information. So let’s stop pretending there is privacy where that area is concerned.
    • No laws (01/10/2025, 15:51) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Perhaps there are no laws about patient confidentiality but that does neither precludes ethical behavior nor implies that health professionals will divulge private information. Besides, what do they stand to gain from doing so?
      • Play dumb games, win stupid prizes (02/10/2025, 07:54) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Discussing a patient's health information should be protected and it’s not in this territory. Gossiping for the sake of gossiping comes to mind with what they stand to gain. In a community this small, everybody’s business apparently belongs to the public. Patient confidentiality does not guarantee privacy.

        Why is that so much to ask? A word salad isn’t going assure that people will be comfortable sharing their medical conditions.
  • I have a story to tell (01/10/2025, 11:53) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    From time he hit the hospital parking lot, the staff down there making calls telling people who you show up there with
  • When they can't hide it no longer (01/10/2025, 12:11) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Then they come with "Go Fund Me"
  • BuzzBvi (01/10/2025, 13:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    And Aiport REPORTS
    And Government ACCOUNTS for last 8 years.
    And where the $5 Million went. and the $20 Million. And the Solar Contractor in Anegada. And the PRospect Reef Hotel...
  • Guest (01/10/2025, 15:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a growing distrust among ordinary citizens toward groups like the Rotary Clubs. Increasingly, these organizations are no longer seen as engines of service, but as social clubs where individuals sign up to boost their public image and pad their résumés. Compounding this perception is the concern that their flagship events have devolved into society gatherings, where “looking down” on others feels like a blood sport.
    Kudos to the Cancer Society and the Diabetes Association for their consistent, grounded work. But let’s be honest, some of the Rotarians are simply not ready.
    When service starts to feel like a showcase, the people know they’re not guests, they’re the gossip.
  • You have options (01/10/2025, 16:33) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The shared idea that people here have that anyone cares enough to discuss their medical information is fascinating. It has been my experience that your stinking home circle starting with your mother or spouse is who violates your privacy. How many times have I been in the supermarket and overheard loud conversations where people are sharing their health information? I have lost count. I guess its easier to blame Healthcare providers than your dumb self.
    • DEDE (02/10/2025, 10:15) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ You have Options

      This is so true. For too long, they blaming workers at the hospital when it’s really them and their gossip buddies spreading they business. I been places and hear other women discussing some real private matters in public places and those same women turn round and blame hospital staff for they business out there. Getting on the trolley and talking about your recent health issues for every and anyone to hear is crazy. When I encounter these situation, I move away if possible.
  • We or dem (02/10/2025, 04:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And the biggest of all are the identification of the criminals...big headline medium and lil headline announcing the arrest and charges of the criminals but zero photo and or names...Mugshots are nonexistent in these BV as public info. We are left just so vulnerable and in danger. The obvious conclusin is that ex posing the identity of criminals would result in the criminals blowing the identity of the criminals in Government who are their helpmeet,facilitators and buddies in crime. This factor too creates an easy path for the criminals to enter the US and its territories...When Trump and Co. rope off these BVI,it will be long overdue. The best time will be had especially if we are Independent of the UK and cozy in bed with Jamaica and the DR.
  • Deh Watcha (02/10/2025, 06:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s important that the local medical authorities continue to innovate and use technology to the greatest possible extent to carry out their missions more efficiently and effectively.
  • pat (02/10/2025, 06:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    No one speaks about Ageing which should not be a crisis — it should be a chapter of life filled with meaning, connection and respect.
  • BRAD BOYNES (02/10/2025, 07:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This woman speaking as if it is a capital offense to keep your dam health issues private. It's bad enough that health workers put your business in the street and rum shops.
  • Stealth (02/10/2025, 07:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, Virgin Islands residents are secretive about their health. But why? Because patients lack confidence in providers that their information will be kept private and confidential, not become public knowledge. The BVI is a small bedroom community and licking melee is a cultural norm. The lack of confidence in the providers keeping their info private may be causing harm to patients, preferring to delay in seeking local help and waiting in some cases until they can afford to go overseas. There needs to be a serious and urgent paradigm shift in the professionalism of delivering health care in the BVI, particularly securing,,protecting and keeping patient information limited to those who have a true need to know. Policies need to be put in place with severe penalties for the unofficial, malicious, indiscriminate,,,etc ,release of patient health info without their permission. The Hippocratic oath specifies and requires causing the patient no harm, playing games with patient info is causing harm.

    Moreover, further the culture in the BVI, especially among men,,is to only seek medical attention when they feel sick and hurting. The BVI must change this attitude and behavior towards and with their health. It must transition quickly to practicing preventative medicine. Further, the scope and scale of treatment availability can be extended with a shift to physician assistants,,Nurse practitioners, for routine care. In the US, physicians and nurse practitioners are partnering to provide care with nurse practitioners handling the routine cases; physicians the more challenging cases.
  • Alpo (02/10/2025, 08:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's why ninjas die everyday B they tuff right?
  • One big secret (04/10/2025, 04:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Secretive about salaries…interests…..government contracts….. the list goes on and on


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