Sprauve sister criticizes government response to Bucky's death

The Iris Nurse O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda.

The sister of Revovion “Bucky” Sprauve, who died on August 31 after reportedly being denied timely access to medical care on Virgin Gorda, has expressed her anger at the way the situation was handled.

At a recent community meeting on the island, Ingrid Sprauve expressed her outrage at what she saw as a lack of preparation and responsibility on the part of local health authorities and the government.

Revovion, who sought medical attention outside of adjusted clinic hours due to Tropical Storm Ernesto, died without receiving medical attention from Nurse Iris O'Neal Clinic.

Ingrid asked why it took a “tragic incident” for the government and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to address concerns about emergency medical care on the sister island.

Secretary of State Tasha Bertie denied that it would take a tragic incident for health officials in Virgin Gorda to call a town hall meeting about health concerns. Nevertheless, Ingrid interrupted her response and called it “nonsense.” “Please don't bring that up tonight,” Ingrid said.

“Why [hasn’t] “Has anyone from the government outside of the British Virgin Islands health authorities been in touch?” she asked, questioning whether the government was not more interested in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI).

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley said in his response: “In terms of government support for bereaved families, we provide funding through Social Development and also through Social Security. Social Security at the moment is I think $3,000 and with Social Development it's I think a maximum of $2,500. This is normally handled through the funeral directors. They normally put together a package for you.”

Wheatley said the government is hampered by the COI, but explained that they are still in the final stages of implementation and noted that money is included in the budget to address some of the health concerns of Virgin Gorda residents.

“Remember, I live here too, and this pain is real, as real to me as it is to anyone else. It's real. The plans that we have have been in place for some time. In fact, health care has been talked about for some time, and I tell them I'm not going to put off the issue,” Wheatley said. “I'm going to take the bull by the horns.”

The clinic's reduced opening hours and the fact that no emergency numbers were listed were highlighted as critical issues, but health officials said those problems have since been resolved.