What about helicopters for medical emergencies?
Residents have expressed concern about the lack of emergency helicopter services for medical emergencies on the BVI’s outer islands.
The issue arose at a recent Virgin Gorda community meeting after the death of Virgin Gorda resident Rovovion ‘Bucky’ Sprauve, who died after being unable to receive medical attention at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic due to its adjusted hours.
The lack of responsive, practical solutions to medical emergencies has frustrated Virgin Gorda residents, especially considering the logistical challenges of accessing timely healthcare in the territory’s outer islands. One resident, Charlene Henderson, expressed frustration while recounting the circumstances surrounding Bucky’s death.
“I’m not here to criticise anybody, but we cannot in 2024, going on 2025, be having a situation like [that],” she urged. “Those of us that are members of this community, if we get sick at night, we got to depend on Speedy’s, the George’s family, or like an Elton that we know, to get us off the island,” Henderson lamented.
Sprauve’s death highlighted a clear gap in the healthcare system, as the clinic was closed, and there was no clear emergency number for residents to call.
What about a multi-purpose helicopter
The guard on duty was reportedly not trained to assist in medical situations, further complicating the emergency response. Another resident, Coy Levons, called for practical solutions, pointing out that the lack of emergency airlift services is a recurring issue in Virgin Gorda and the sister islands like Anegada.
“We have a helipad that is uncertified. We have Oil Nut Bay just about to put a helipad. You have people like Peter Island that have an interest. So what we have to do is we have to build something that can actually integrate into that mechanism,” Levons said.
He continued: “Why can’t we get a helicopter? Why are you all so afraid of the fact of us getting a helicopter with multiple purposes? You have border patrol, you have immigration, you have Customs, you have police and then you have the medical airlift. We can do these things.”
Levons argued that the BVIHSA needs to re-evaluate how outer islands are managed because of the medical emergencies that have been happening. “You cannot put an individual on a boat and cross at least 15 miles of rough water during a September or December month… a lot of these islands are left vulnerable because of decisions that are being made.”
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley said the government has been exploring options for evacuating people in medical emergencies on the outer islands. “There are several options and the numbers tell a story also. So it is things we have been looking at, so it’s not like we’re not,” Wheatley stated.
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listen we cant even maintain the roads so its a pipe dream that these clowns get a heli for the benefit of their citizens.
unless the heli is being used to get to parties
has lots of helicopters that will be here soon.
We can’t afford roads. You think we could afford to keep a helicopter in the air? and safe?
A boat which was specified for the application would be a happy middle ground. Experts have offered to provide this for free, with donated funding. They have been ignored. Someone wants to make money out of this.
That Medical boat was bought and paid for years ago. Then sat and rotted in the Village Cay Marina. What money has been wasted on it (millions) would have set up the VG clinic properly. As always, follow the money. If it don’t benefit the right people, nothing will get done in BVI!
WE BUILT A HELIPAD ACROSS FROM THE HOSPITAL
But they are busy pushing for self-determination which in essence is the road to independence. No accountability breeds corruption!
A helicopter would never be available for medical evacuation, Sl**ande would be using it for ego trip.
Helicopter pilot wanted. Must be belonger. High school graduate preferred. Salary above minimum wage. Free life vest and life insurance provided!
Years ago Brad Hangar wanted to set up a helicopter service, but was turned down by zenophobic greedy interests. The medical launch rotted away in Village Cay and Nanny Cay. With all the money we should have amassed over the years we should have top notch services and facilities but our politicians are just not capable of doing anything because they are blinded by personal, family, and crony interests.
“The lack of responsive, practical solutions ”
All around this is the case. The mindset to build up the nation is lacking, they think its a popularity contest.
More money was spent to party than anything practical. More plans to party than plans to anything else. $100,000 for business but $1.5 million to party plus $250,000 for the free party.
We dont have the basics and they prioritize thrills. The bandage we will get are a couple big building projects and more debt.
Them going buy it and take it to go visiting nearby countries beggin for hurricane funding
or better yet when andrew come out he will use it for dope runs to usvi
What about not voting for idiots and expecting serious issues to be attended to? We have the same issues, same meetings and same arguments over and over. Look at the last 30 years, same s**t over and over and over yet we do the same thing over and over. I am convinced that we are a very toxic society who are not interested in actually getting things done but rather love the confusion of being able to complain about something every f**king day. Sickening! BVI people want the best of everything but hate to pay. Nobody wants to pay duties and other fees but they want top class medical facilities and helicopters…. (laugh)
If you had say helicopter for minister’s and side tings transportation you might a get somewhere. We might have been able to find the funds for that. Helicopter for sick people!? you got to hold on. Too much on our plate before we get to anything for the people. Imagine these man can spend over a million dollars on a new elevator for admin complex, 2 million on barges, 8 million on coi lawyer, a next million clearing land to party on , send 400k US down the road to help out other people with hurricane relief, a next 250k on American Airlines jam, 2 million dollar travel budget You telling me we got it like that and we not sure if we can afford a medical helicopter?
The governor can take money from the treadury to fund the police force . He can donit to save the lives and help
Support a helicopter for the people . It is priorities
Leadets should know
Health
Safety
Wducation are the major concerns of a society
Governor step
Up
To the plate. Do use the powets vested in
You to improve the territory
BVIHSA can’t pay their electric bill and you want a helicopter? Take out a MASA membership to protect yourself.