While he was Opposition Leader, Penn said he was consistently receiving reports of issues plaguing the hospital. He noted that the main recurring issue was concerns regarding furnishing the hospital with the necessary tools to perform certain medical tasks.

When asked what the current update on the matter is since he is now the Health Minister, Penn said the position he had in Opposition remains the same.

“I believe the sister island needs to get the basics that they need to perform to get that institution running. Part of our assessment includes the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic in terms of our comprehensive assessment of the physical plants of our medical facilities so that we can make sure that at least the people in Virgin Gorda and on our sister islands get the care that they need and deserve,” the Health Minister said.

“I don’t want to say a timeframe now and you hold me to that but once the RFP (Request for Proposal) goes out and we get a response then I would be able to communicate to the public regarding a timeframe,” he added.

Earlier this month, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley asked for Virgin Gorda residents to be patient regarding the government’s plans to outfit the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre with the proper equipment and improve functionality for residents.

The Premier noted that Minister Penn had just assumed the role and is still getting acquainted with the portfolio and the different challenges of the health sector.

The Virgin Gorda-based facility officially opened in February 2020.