Virgin Islanders are ‘secretive’ about their health- Dr Sharlon Lewis
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.”
.png)
Follow Us On
17 Responses to “Virgin Islanders are ‘secretive’ about their health- Dr Sharlon Lewis”
Why is that so much to ask? A word salad isn’t going assure that people will be comfortable sharing their medical conditions.
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...
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.
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.
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.