The original article can be found in: The Virgin Islands Standpoint By Delana Isles
The first one hundred days in office for the National Democratic Party (NDP) government has seen much emphasis being placed on the implementation of several infrastructural projects.
Premier, Dr. the Honourable Orlando Smith made this disclosure during a televised address to the nation on Monday, February 27.
Among some the infrastructural works in the healthcare system that will be completed during their first year office includes the completion of the new Peebles Hospital; the construction of a modern medical facility on Virgin Gorda; the construction a new Senior Citizen’s Home at Spooner’s Estate; and the completion of phase one of the North Sound Community Centre, the Premier said.
“The completion of the new Peebles Hospital structure has also taken on a new sense of urgency, with a target date for completion within the next 18 months. Towards this end, we have taken steps to strengthen the project management team. I am pleased to announce the appointment of an additional engineer, Ms. Shaina Smith, to augment the technical expertise available on the Project.”
Efforts are also being made to further strengthen the technical capacity of the Project Office within the coming month so that the new hospital is completed in time and within budget, he added.
The Premier disclosed that in tandem with this project the physical amenities and services at the existing hospital are being upgraded.
“Work has recently commenced to provide much needed additional space for medical specialist clinics; and would significantly increase the number of weekly clinics offered. The additional space would accommodate expanded renal, chronic care and gynaecological clinics; as well as much needed specialised medical services in areas such as urology, neurology, cardiology, and ear, nose and throat (ENT).”Elderly care has also been given a boost with the reinvigoration of developmental plans for the construction of a new Senior Citizen’s Home at Spooner’s Estate. According to the Premier, these plans have been re-submitted to the Planning Authority for approval, and will likely be approved in coming months so that construction on the facility can commence.
He also reported on the installation of a new weight scale at the incinerator plant by the Solid Waste Department.
“This new scale will ensure accuracy in measuring the volume of waste received at the dumpsite, and will help inform future waste management and recycling initiatives.Additionally, a heavy duty generator was installed at the incinerator plant to protect the machinery, and to ensure that the new incinerator continues to function at optimum capacity during power outages.”
Meanwhile in the social sector, the Ministry has been able to positively address the needs of the homeless and persons with disabilities, Dr. Smith said.
He said a project to address homelessness in the Territory has been embarked on by the Social Development Department, the research phase of which is anticipated to be completed by the end of the first quarter, after which a committee will be commissioned to develop a plan of action to meet the needs of this vulnerable group.
The Ministry has also initiated a number of other measures to raise awareness about the plight of persons living with disabilities.
“I am delighted to announce Cabinet’s recent approval of the establishment of an autism programme in the Virgin Islands, in partnership with Kingwood Trust in the United Kingdom, and the Maria Holder Memorial Foundation, based in Barbados.”A multi-agency steering committee has been formally established, and senior officials from Kingwood Trust are currently in the Territory carrying out assessments of the client population, and conducting other pre-implementation activities, the Premier said.
He added that when the programme is officially launched, it will provide specialised educational interventions for children and adults with autism, ensuring that their needs will no longer be unmet, as well as provide local capacity to deal with persons with autism by providing the requisite training and skill-building for parents, caregivers and professionals.
