A newborn was delivered at St. Mary's Hall on Virgin Gorda, drawing fierce criticism from the opposition National Democratic Party over what it describes as a collapsing health system across the territory.
Eighth District representative Marlon Penn aired the complaint on an NDP radio show, framing the incident as a symptom of government mismanagement. He said the Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda, built by the NDP when it held power, now suffers from persistent mould that has forced service closures and put patients and staff at risk.
Penn questioned why the ruling administration has allowed major healthcare assets to decay. "I mean, you get it, you can't even maintain it?" he asked, referring to the government's stewardship of facilities including the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and the Iris O'Neal centre.
The lawmaker outlined specific hardships for residents. Those needing wound treatment on Virgin Gorda must drive to North Sound. The government has not created dependable emergency transport between Tortola and the sister islands, Penn said, pointing to the absence of dedicated medical boats or aircraft.
Penn also blamed Health Minister Vincent Wheatley's dual role representing both the Ninth District and his ministerial post. He argued that government spending has flowed toward other projects while nurses remain underpaid and facilities deteriorate.
"We make a joke about it, but it's serious. The mismanagement of our healthcare services is serious," Penn said. He concluded: "There's no urgency from this government."
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