BVI weighs helicopter option for sister island medical emergencies

The government is exploring whether a helicopter service can meet the medical evacuation needs of residents across the sister islands, with negotiations ongoing but no commitment yet made.

Opposition Leader Marlon Penn raised the issue during a recent House of Assembly sitting, asking Health Minister Vincent Wheatley about progress on emergency transfers for people in Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada who need treatment on Tortola.

Wheatley described existing arrangements: the BVI Health Services Authority uses a private boat for emergencies affecting Virgin Gorda residents, while a partnership with VISAR handles evacuations from Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. The government has been examining whether to expand or replace these services.

A helicopter provider has entered discussions with officials, though the price tag remains a sticking point. Wheatley said the administration had reviewed boats, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters as options. He noted that a purpose-built medical vessel would require roughly $1 million to purchase, plus another $1 million annually to operate.

The minister indicated that helicopters could deliver the fastest response, but cautioned they would likely be expensive. He said he needed more information from the helicopter operator before deciding which route to pursue.

Penn objected to letting finances drive the decision. "I hope the issue is not about cost, because you cannot put a dollar figure on a life," Penn said. He also raised a practical obstacle: he questioned whether the islands have the landing infrastructure that a helicopter service would require.

Wheatley did not respond to Penn's questions about where aircraft could touch down.