$500K allocated for Virgin Gorda clinic

The Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic in Virgin Gorda will receive a substantial funding boost, with $500,000 allocated for improvements.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced this yesterday, November 11, during the 2025 budget presentation.

The funding aims to enhance healthcare services for Virgin Gorda residents, especially given recent concerns about healthcare accessibility on the sister island. Premier Wheatley expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of Virgin Gorda have access to adequate healthcare facilities.

“The well-being and livelihood of our people is an area of priority for my government,” he stated. “We are committed to ensuring that the people of the Virgin Islands have easy access to comprehensive healthcare.”

The issue of healthcare services in Virgin Gorda has been a topic of public concern, particularly following the tragic incident involving Revovion Sprauve, also known as “Bucky.” On August 31, Sprauve passed away after reportedly not receiving timely access to medical services on the island. This incident prompted an emergency community meeting with health officials and intensified calls for improved healthcare facilities and resources in Virgin Gorda.

According to the Premier, the government’s allocation of $500,000 is part of a broader commitment outlined in the 2025 budget.

Multiple other healthcare and social services investments

The budget includes multiple healthcare and social services investments that reflect the administration’s priority on the well-being and livelihood of Virgin Islanders. In addition to improvements at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, the budget includes funding for upgrades at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital on Tortola and the development of social homes for vulnerable residents.

The Premier encouraged residents to understand the government’s long-term plan.
“We are committed to ensuring that elderly people in our communities are protected and that their rich heritage and stories are preserved and celebrated,” he said.

As part of its larger healthcare strategy, the government also addresses infrastructure needs for various community centres and hospitals throughout the islands in the budget.

The Premier further highlighted that his government’s 2025 plans and budget align with the following six national goals in the government’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP): health and wellness, education and learning, economy and infrastructure, good governance and leadership, and the environment.