Virgin Islanders secretive about health, and still
Dr Sharlon Lewis says many residents hide health diagnoses and prefer seeking care off‑island despite available services. The comments were made on ZBVI 780 AM's Talking Points on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, as local groups prepare a scaled‑back Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. The BVI Cancer Society and the Rotary Club of Tortola will observe October under the theme 'Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters', focusing on community outreach and early detection.
Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM's Talking Points on Monday, September 29, 2025, Dr Sharlon Lewis warned that many people in the British Virgin Islands are secretive about their health. "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 told hosts, adding that when people receive a 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." The remarks were reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Dr Lewis also stressed that there is a persistent belief in the community that the best care is found off‑island. "We still have this mentality that if you want the best care, you have to go off island," she said, but added that much can be done locally. "In BVIHSA, they have a lot of really good doctors, and I very often I actually refer my patients to them to try and get further investigations and then management done," she told listeners.
The physician highlighted the role of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in expanding access. She said many residents do not realise how much is covered through NHI and noted that people still avoid routine wellness checks and cancer screening because they perceive doctor visits as too costly. "A large amount is removed from people’s salaries every month for NHI; however, they do not take advantage of the services," she said, warning that "not going to the doctor is even more expensive" when conditions are detected late.
Dr Lewis appeared on the programme alongside Ms Gloria A. Fahie, President of the BVI Cancer Society, and Ms Abigail O'Neal ("Abby"), Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Tortola. The guests spoke as October begins, which is being observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme "Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters." VINO reported that the BVI Cancer Society and the Rotary Club have partnered to mark the month starting October 1, 2025.
Ms Fahie told Talking Points the Cancer Society will run 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, adding that these direct visits are effective in spreading the message that early detection saves lives.
Fahie also said she receives many calls daily and that some cancers being reported could have been prevented. Abby O'Neal emphasized the value of partnerships. "Rotary believes we have to partner with organisations out there in our communities that are doing this work already…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," she said.
Taken together, the programme underscored two main themes for BVI residents: use the local services available through BVIHSA and NHI, and speak up about health concerns so early detection and local treatment can be pursued. Both medical professionals and community groups are urging people to use the month to get screened, ask questions, and support one another.
Primary source: VINO