Accessibility
Text size
Statutory boards, including the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), must make greater efforts to secure funding and become more self-sustaining, At Large Representative Ronnie Skelton has urged, as Shereen Flax-Charles raised concerns about hospital sheets so worn that patients could see through them.
Speaking on the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) radio programme this week, the two called for healthcare spending to be prioritised, with Skelton pressing for revenue-generating initiatives and Flax-Charles suggesting community and international support for basic supplies.
Skelton argued that statutory boards were continuing to depend on government funding without making sufficient efforts to support their operations.
“...We put these statutory boards out there to be self-sustaining, but they’re not self-sustaining, they’re not even attempting to try to be self-sustained. That needs to be fixed,” he said.
The Opposition member said that, to his knowledge, statutory bodies including the BVIHSA have powers under their legislation to seek funding responsibly.
He said that, once the Government’s conditions were satisfied, a resolution could be taken through the House of Assembly to allow programmes that generate revenue and pay for themselves.
“If healthcare is a priority, to get it into a place where it can be more self-sustaining, that’s what we should do,” Skelton stated, also identifying the airport as an area requiring that approach.
Flax-Charles, meanwhile, described worn bedding at the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital following a visit the previous week.
“The sheets on the beds are worn,” she said, also raising concerns about the blankets. “So where is the plan to change these things out?”
She added: “Yes, you can actually, like, see through it (sheets).”
Flax-Charles suggested that assistance could be sought beyond the Government to address such needs.
“I think that we can work with persons throughout the community and internationally for support, for things like that,” she said.
She also welcomed news that the hospital’s main doors had finally been repaired and acknowledged security personnel who had been opening and closing the heavy doors. However, she argued that maintenance was not being undertaken regularly and that supply shortages were undermining the quality of care.
Referring to a separate visit to St. Mary’s Hall, Flax-Charles said staff appeared unhappy and expressed concern about the lack of communication on a way forward.
“We have to prioritise our spending and put the money where it needs to go, and you need to be able to see the results,” she stated.
Speaking on the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) radio programme this week, the two called for healthcare spending to be prioritised, with Skelton pressing for revenue-generating initiatives and Flax-Charles suggesting community and international support for basic supplies.
Skelton argued that statutory boards were continuing to depend on government funding without making sufficient efforts to support their operations.
“...We put these statutory boards out there to be self-sustaining, but they’re not self-sustaining, they’re not even attempting to try to be self-sustained. That needs to be fixed,” he said.
The Opposition member said that, to his knowledge, statutory bodies including the BVIHSA have powers under their legislation to seek funding responsibly.
He said that, once the Government’s conditions were satisfied, a resolution could be taken through the House of Assembly to allow programmes that generate revenue and pay for themselves.
“If healthcare is a priority, to get it into a place where it can be more self-sustaining, that’s what we should do,” Skelton stated, also identifying the airport as an area requiring that approach.
Flax-Charles, meanwhile, described worn bedding at the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital following a visit the previous week.
“The sheets on the beds are worn,” she said, also raising concerns about the blankets. “So where is the plan to change these things out?”
She added: “Yes, you can actually, like, see through it (sheets).”
Flax-Charles suggested that assistance could be sought beyond the Government to address such needs.
“I think that we can work with persons throughout the community and internationally for support, for things like that,” she said.
She also welcomed news that the hospital’s main doors had finally been repaired and acknowledged security personnel who had been opening and closing the heavy doors. However, she argued that maintenance was not being undertaken regularly and that supply shortages were undermining the quality of care.
Referring to a separate visit to St. Mary’s Hall, Flax-Charles said staff appeared unhappy and expressed concern about the lack of communication on a way forward.
“We have to prioritise our spending and put the money where it needs to go, and you need to be able to see the results,” she stated.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.