Remarks By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley

Minister For Health And Social Development

At The Multi-Agreement Signing Ceremony For

BVI Health Services Authority’s Infrastructure Improvement Projects

MONDAY, 10^th FEBRUARY 2025

I wish to acknowledge the protocol that has been established, but would specifically wish to recognise the presence of the Honourable Premier, who is here to support the BVI Health Services Authority as he always has.

Today’s signing ceremony signifies a momentous occasion where the BVI Health Services Authority and the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency have partnered to support the delivery of critical repairs and upgrades to the BVIHSA’s physical infrastructure assets.  As outlined in the National Sustainable Development Plan, the Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to securing a fully inclusive health system in which we all take collective responsibility for improving our health and happiness.  While access to quality healthcare remains a priority and a key component to improving the quality of life and standard of living of the residents of the Territory, quality healthcare can only be realised through the provision of quality health facilities.

The planned renovations and upgrades to key areas in the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, Major Peebles Wing, and the Annex are crucial to achieving and maintaining appropriate standards for the provision of healthcare services to the people of this Territory.  The impending improvements stand to positively impact all stakeholders who participate in the delivery of healthcare services.  These improvements will:

• Provide our medical professionals with the necessary infrastructure to improve and enhance service delivery;
• Ensure our residents and visitors who access healthcare services receive improved standards of care, and should thus feel encouraged to further utilize our public health care system, and;
• Support and preserve the hospital in maintaining its accreditation status.

As the BVI Health Services Authority’s Vision, is to be “The leader and preferred provider of healthcare in the Virgin Islands,” the quality of our key health infrastructure must rise to meet this goal.  The commemoration of BVIHSA and RDA’s partnership today is a significant first step in achieving this.

I must take this opportunity to commend all stakeholders who have participated in the preliminary steps of the infrastructure improvement projects thus far, and further thank you for your continued commitment to charting the way forward towards the successful and timely completion of all planned repairs and renovations to this facility.  The provision of quality healthcare services remains a priority for the Government of the Virgin Islands, and I trust that the impending infrastructural upgrades will truly expand and improve our public offerings.

I thank you.