The Social Security (Amendment) Act, 2014, which establishes the National Health Insurance (NHI) System in the Virgin Islands takes effect today, December 1.

Managing director of the Social Security Board, Mrs. Antoinette Skelton, Deputy Director with responsibility for National Health Insurance, Mr. Roy Barry, Deputy Director Mrs. Jeanette Scatliffe Boynes, members of the National Health Insurance team, Staff and Members of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, CEO of JIPA Network Dr. Kester Nedd and members of the JIPA Network Team, Private Health providers, members of the Media, Everyone good morning. 

Over 150 residents of Virgin Gorda attended a meeting held by the National Health Insurance Implementation Team on the sister island on Wednesday evening, to get answers to their questions and have their concerns addressed about the new National Health Insurance (NHI) programme.

National Health Insurance (NHI) contributions will be shared between beneficiaries, employers and the Government in order to ensure that the entire population has access to healthcare services.

The purpose of the meeting is to inform residents about the National Health Insurance System, its registration process and timeline of implementation. The meeting will give members of the community an opportunity to have their concerns addressed and also allow them to provide feedback on the information presented.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton has stated that the National Health Insurance, through pooled contributions, is not only more cost effective and affordable for the wider population, but will have significant long-term social and economic benefits for the Virgin Islands.

Madame Speaker in April of last year when the Social Security (Amendment) Act, 2014 was debated and passed I addressed this Honourable House on the subject of Universal Health Coverage.  This amendment laid the foundation for a National Health Insurance System in the Virgin Islands.  

Hounourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hounourable Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hounourable Mark Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable. Myron V Walwyn, Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, other members of the House of Assembly, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Development and staff Director, BVI Social Security Board and staff, Deputy Director with responsibility for NHI and members of the NHI team, fellow residents of the Virgin Islands, members of the Media, Good Morning.

A day when we can as a country finally say that everybody in the BVI, adults, children, the elderly will have access to health care that is good and that is affordable.

The public is invited to the official launch of the first phase of the registration process of the National Health Insurance on Tuesday, September 1, at 10:00 a.m. The launch will be held at the Joshua J. Smith Building (Social Security Building).