The Ministry of Health and Social Development is the authority responsible for safeguarding and promoting the health and social wellbeing of the people of the Virgin Islands (British).

The Ministry is led by the Minister for Health and Social Development who has constitutional responsibility as assigned under section 56 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.  The Permanent Secretary has oversight responsibility for the management and coordination of the operations of the Ministry and its related departments.  In an advisory capacity, the Chief Medical Officer provides technical guidance on local, regional and international public health matters.

The Ministry seeks to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands (British) by:

  • developing proactive policies, legislation, strategies, and programmes for the health and social service sectors
  • promoting gender equity, social justice, and the progressive realization of human rights
  • performing essential public health functions, including health promotion, public health surveillance, research, and control of risks to public health
  • mitigating the impact of natural and man-made disasters on the health of the population
  • delivering a wide range of social protection programmes and services, including social safety net programmes targeting the most vulnerable members of the population

All these activities are performed through close collaboration with other sectors, ensuring community participation, and promoting self-reliance by increasing the assets and capabilities of individuals and social groups to improve their standard of living.

Vision 

That all inhabitants of the Territory are able to maximise their opportunities for health and social well-being as key resources for life and development.

Mission 

To provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development.

Minister for Health and Social Development

Honourable Vincent Wheatley
Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Tasha Bertie

Chief Medical Officer (Ag.)
Dr. Ronald Georges 

Deputy Secretaries
Greg Massicote
Natalie Fahie-Smith

Assistant Secretary
Alisia Browne

Assistant Secretaries
Jocelyn Estridge
Aqueelah Frett

Ministry of Health & Social Development Contact Information

Ministry of Health and Social Development
Government of the Virgin Islands
Voronica's House of Commerce
Long Bush, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG 1110

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday  
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone: 1(284) 468-2272 / 2174
   

 

 

 

Subjects

The Minister for Health and Social Development's subjects include:

  1. Aged Care Services
  2. Cemeteries
  3. Charities
  4. Clinics
  5. Community Centres
  6. Community Development
  7. Drug Control
  8. Emergency Call Service
  9. Environmental Health
  10. Gender Affairs
  11. Hospital Administration
  12. Medical Services
  13. Mental Health
  14. National Health Insurance
  15. Parole and Probation
  16. Prison Administration
  17. Public Health
  18. Social Housing
  19. Social Security
  20. Social Welfare
  21. Solid Waste Management
  22. Voluntary Organisations

Departments

Units

Statutory Boards

Other Boards/Associated Agencies

Legal Aid Board
BVI Allied Health Professionals Council
BVI Medical and Dental Council
Drug Advisory Council
Nurses and Midwives Council
Public Assistance Commitee
Food & Nutrition Coordinating Committee
National Council for Human and Social Development
National Medical Laboratory Advisory Committee (Not Active)
Prison Visiting Committee