The residents of the Virgin Islands are being encouraged to partner with Government to build the best health care system that can be built for generations to come.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton said there was a need for partnerships to continue for the advancement of health care in the Territory as he received two donations totaling $300,000 for the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda.

A donation of $150,000 was made by Chairman of Victor International, the company that operates Oil Nut Bay and the North Sound Foundation, Mr. David V. Johnson and his wife Mrs. Pamela Johnson. Strategic alliance partners Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Lucy Page also contributed a sum of $150,000. 

Honourable Skelton expressed appreciation on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands for the donation.

Minister Skelton said, “We have asked the private sector to partner with us, both here on Virgin Gorda and on Tortola, so that we can get people involved in building the health care system for the Virgin Islands.  On behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands, I would like to say thank you, to you Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and to Mr. and Mrs. Page, for your generous contribution. I will insist that funds be applied faithfully to exactly where you want it applied.”

Mr. Johnson made the presentation on behalf of both parties and said that he was very encouraged with the creation of the facility, the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre.

Mr. Johnson said, “It has been our philosophy to provide local support in every area that we can.  Our commitment is to both the children of the BVI, especially Virgin Gorda, and to the wellness of all the people of Virgin Gorda.  If we can provide capital and money for specific equipment to make this a world class facility, that is our goal.

Mr. Johnson also stated that it will take a community effort to build and maintain the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre.

“It takes everyone contributing to make it a reality, not just to get it built, but to keep it functioning and viable as time goes,” he said, adding, “It is an ongoing responsibility for all of us to continue to invest in the community.”

The Friends of the BVIHSA, established with the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority, accepts donations that will be applied to the development of the new Peebles Hospital, Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre, and all of the Community Health Centres located throughout the Territory.