Monday July 19, 2010

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, QC visited a number of Government projects on Jost Van Dyke last Friday.

The Minister was accompanied by members of the House of Assembly Honourable J. Alvin Christopher and Honourable Irene Penn-O’Neal. Senior staff members of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, including acting Permanent Secretary Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe and Finance and Planning Officer Mr. Anthony McMaster, were also present.

While on Jost Van Dyke, Honourable Penn visited various Government projects that are under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Development at Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and East End. Among them were the proposed site for a helipad to facilitate medical evacuations, the public burial ground, the Government Administration Building, the Jost Van Dyke Clinic, site of the new Jost Van Dyke Community Centre, and garbage disposal site and water plant at Little Harbour.

District Officer Mrs. Carmen Blyden accompanied Honourable Penn and her fellow members of the House of Assembly during most of the site visits and was able to address specific questions that were raised. “The site visits were interesting and informative, and several matters were identified that will be addressed at an early date. Government is determined to respond to the needs of the people of Jost Van Dyke and the other sister-islands,” the Minister said.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.