BVI News

Gov’t took ‘Greedy Bill’ and forgot the people, says VG resident

Residents of Virgin Gorda have expressed significant frustration with the government’s handling of their healthcare needs, accusing officials of prioritising their own benefits over the community’s welfare through laws like the controversial ‘Greedy Bill.’

During a recent community meeting, long-time resident Patricia Stevens passionately criticised the government for neglecting the public’s needs. Referring to the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021, commonly known as the ‘Greedy Bill,’ Stevens said, “Ayo take out ayo greedy pay, the greedy bill, and forget the people them. Because you all feel that we have to vote ayo in and we can’t vote ayo out. But we will, and we’re going to try to get that greedy bill changed. Even if it takes the UK to do it, because ayo too complacent with people’s lives.”

The ‘Greedy Bill’ allows first-term lawmakers to receive a full two-year salary after leaving office, a provision that has sparked public outrage despite remaining in effect.

In response to concerns about access to emergency healthcare, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority, Dr. June Samuel, explained that current arrangements involve transferring patients to Beef Island for quicker care. However, this has not alleviated the community’s frustrations.

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley acknowledged the residents’ frustrations but expressed surprise that a recent community petition voicing these concerns had only gathered 500 signatures. “I really thought there would be more… this is an urgent matter,” Wheatley said. Stevens and former Tourism Director Sharon Flax-Brutus suggested that fear of repercussions might have discouraged people from signing the petition.

At the same meeting, residents also voiced concerns about the limited hours of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic. These concerns were underscored by a recent tragedy in which a resident passed away after seeking care outside the clinic’s reduced operating hours.

The situation highlights urgent issues within both local governance and healthcare services, pointing to the need for reforms and better responsiveness to the community’s needs.

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10 Comments

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  1. TEK DAT! says:

    THAT’S WHAT AYO GEH FOR VOTING VIP ALL THE WAY

    Like 18
    Dislike 1
  2. More health risks says:

    when you live on the other islands of the BVI due to lack of health care facilities . However Tortola is still the most dangerous island to live on because of all the gun crimes.

    Like 1
    Dislike 2
  3. yea yea says:

    ‘Greedy Bill’ allows first-term lawmakers to receive a full two-year salary after leaving office, a provision that has sparked public outrage despite remaining in effect”

    I want yall to read that over and think about the roads, health care, infrastructure, water problems, bviec problems, cost of living, price control….. just think about…

    they passed that bill with ease and record timing no rebuttal from the same opposition thats in now. them all for each other but everything else for the country is snail paste or could wait

    Like 16
  4. sickening says:

    At the end of the day all 13 of them are all in politics for themselves while the rest of the population suffer. This is not right. We elect you to serve and not to be served a tray of un-earned money. When people enter into politics they choose to do so for the good of the people and country. If not successful, the people are not responsible for your future financial years.

    Youall are all horrible and life will deal with each of you for your greed. You will not enjoy it

    • @ Sickening says:

      Only now you notice that politicians here are in it for themselves and care not one whit about the voters? This has been going on for decades. It is disgraceful and has left the Territory in a woeful state. It’s not going to get any better and they all are brought to accounts, but that’s not about to happen any time soon.

  5. Remember now says:

    The universe does not like ugly. Every last one of them will be dealt with in due time. Let them take the greedy bill money and stick it up the deepest part of their black behinds. Karma is slowly creeping up on them. Today for me, tomorrow for you.

  6. What goes around says:

    That’s what ayo get for voting for the VIP. The NDP did a good job in VG and some of ayo tell all kind of untruth on them. I sorry about the death but ayo tek the bad treatment ayo getting. It is well deserved

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
  7. Fed Up says:

    We need this corrupt and useless government out!
    Vote of no confidence!

  8. We don't feel for you all says:

    You the people of Virgin Gorda and Anegada knew he did absolutely nothing in the 4 years he was in, yet you all fell for the stupid lies and false promises and vote him in again. What were you expecting this time around?? stupid is as stupid does

  9. Stealth says:

    The greedy ba**ards during the election campaign had lots to say about the Greedy Bill but after election crickets, crickets from
    both government and opposition. Nothing new here, for politicians are about self-interest, not the public interest. If it were to provide some benefit to poor and working class, they would be on it like white on rice to stop or reduce it. They are good at overpromising and under delivering. They behave the way they do, for we let them, afraid to lose the crumbs falling from the table.,

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