NDP Criticises Virgin Gorda Community Centre Birth
The revived National Democratic Party (NDP) has blasted the government over reports that a baby was recently delivered at St. Mary’s Hall on Virgin Gorda, describing the incident as a troubling reflection of the deteriorating state of healthcare in the territory.
The revived National Democratic Party (NDP) has blasted the government over reports that a baby was recently delivered at St. Mary’s Hall on Virgin Gorda, describing the incident as a troubling reflection of the deteriorating state of healthcare in the territory. The incident was raised during a recent NDP radio programme, where Eighth District representative Marlon Penn criticised the government for failing to properly maintain healthcare facilities, particularly the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda. “We make a joke about it, but it’s serious.
The mismanagement of our healthcare services is serious,” Penn declared. The lawmaker argued that the NDP made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, including completing the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital and constructing the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre to provide quality healthcare for residents of Virgin Gorda and the sister islands.
However, he said the current administration has failed to maintain those investments. “I mean, you get it, you can’t even maintain it?” Penn questioned. He pointed to longstanding mould problems at the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre, which have disrupted services and raised concerns about the safety of patients and healthcare workers. “Persons have to deliver their babies in a community centre.
If you want to dress a wound on VG, you have to drive to North Sound,” Penn complained. He also criticised the government for failing to establish reliable emergency medical transportation between Tortola and the sister islands, including dedicated medical boats or aircraft. Penn said the issue is worsened by the fact that Health Minister Vincent Wheatley also represents the Ninth District, which includes the struggling Virgin Gorda community.
The opposition legislator further questioned the government’s spending priorities, arguing that millions are being spent on extravagant initiatives while nurses continue to complain about inadequate compensation and healthcare facilities remain in poor condition. “There’s no urgency from this government,” Penn declared.
Primary source: BVI News