Statement
STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE VINCENT O. WHEATLEY
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
AT THE NINTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
TUESDAY, 5TH MARCH 2024
Signing of Donation Agreements with Unite BVI Foundation
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health and Social Development has recently entered into six (6) donation agreements with Unite BVI Foundation in support of a series of projects and initiatives currently being undertaken within the Ministry.
Through direct procurement of resources and services, the Unite BVI Foundation has agreed to fund projects under the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, the BVI Autism Centre, Public Health Unit, His Majesty’s Prison, and Community Health and Substance Abuse Services. Unite BVI has committed to facilitate kitchen renovations at the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly through the procurement and installation of cabinets, appliances, stainless steel equipment, and a hood and exhaust system.
This agreement also includes the provision of technical training for the maintenance of the equipment as well as culinary training for kitchen staff to reinforce their skills, especially relating to the preparation of meals with special dietary requirements. The initial value of this project is estimated at forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) and is expected to improve the overall quality of life for the residents. Unite BVI’s partnership with the BVI Autism Centre is grounded in the intention to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Educational and Assistive technology tools will be acquired to further empower children with ASD to build the necessary skills for life. A donation of twenty thousand, one hundred fifty dollars ($20,150.00) was dedicated to procure these resources as well as facilitate infrastructural repairs to the Centre’s physical space.
Through sponsorship valued at thirty-nine thousand, six hundred dollars ($39,600.00), the Public Health Unit of the Ministry will launch three major Health Promotion Campaigns within the year, namely:
(1) BVI Moves - A Physical Activity Campaign,
(2) World Diabetes Day, and a
(3) Campaign on Sexual Health.
Madam Speaker, these initiatives embody a holistic approach to preventive health as they aim to encourage individuals and communities to make informed health choices and adopt healthy behaviours. It is anticipated that through these campaigns, individuals and communities will be empowered to increase control over their health and improve their health situations.
Madam Speaker, the BVI’s very first Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign, which aims to fight against the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health, is well underway. This campaign, which is organized by the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of the BVI Health Services Authority, is steadily progressing, thanks in part to Unite BVI’s generous donation of eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000.00). Several initiatives under the anti-stigma campaign were successfully launched, including the ‘Mindfulness Mural Competition’ in which fifteen schools across the BVI participated. This particular initiative aimed to increase the awareness of mental health while mitigating the impact of stigma and discrimination among school-aged children. The schools that emerged as winners of the competition will be gifted with a permanent ‘Mindfulness room’ inclusive of refurbishments, furniture, and therapeutic resources.
Finally, in an effort to improve and maintain the overall wellbeing of all inmates housed at His Majesty’s Prison, Unite BVI has allotted sponsorship in the amount of eighty-five hundred dollars ($8,500.00) to procure rehabilitation and recreational resources. Inmates can expect to benefit from the purchase of chess sets, basketballs, art supplies, and other resources. Furthermore, Unite BVI has partnered with the BVI Chess Federation to facilitate coaching inmates on how the game is played. Additionally, through a collaboration between Guana Fund and Unite BVI, and a contribution of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) in resources, the advancement of the woodwork and carpentry skills programme at the prison will be realized.
Madam Speaker, I must thank my colleague, Deputy Speaker and Territorial Representative, Honourable Stacy Mather for his insights and support through his influence in this particular initiative. These timely donations have increased the educational and vocational opportunities for inmates as part of their rehabilitation process.
Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to the Unite BVI Foundation for its unwavering support to the people of the Virgin Islands through the generous sponsorship of these key health and social projects. The anticipated impact of these projects is testament of what can be achieved when government and private/community organizations work together. I look forward to forging more partnerships like this as we aim to improve the lives of all BVI residents.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
