MINISTER FAHIE OUTLINES BENEFITS OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS TO TERRITORY

Thursday July 1, 2010

Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie outlined earlier this week the benefits that will derive from the establishment of a medical school in the Territory.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, Minister Fahie made it absolutely clear that the establishment of medical school(s) in the Territory is about the benefits of moving forward to sustain and strengthen this economy. “It is about the benefits of moving forward, from GOOD to GREAT, by seeking out economic opportunities and revenue builders that have long-term needs rather than short-term wants,” he said.

Minister Fahie explained that the medical school(s) will not be government owned but that the facility will be privatised which means that “a private entity will own, build, lease or rent, and run the facility”.

The Education Minister also outlined the advantages that this initiative will have in the Virgin Islands. “Education will be a major growth industry; there will be healthcare enhancement and tourism,” he stated, adding “A boost in hotel and commerce; the mobilisation of job creation; economic sustainability; infrastructural investments and local and foreign investments.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC pledged her support and that of her Ministry to this initiative. “The establishment of a medical school is a major goal and I assure all of you here that the Ministry of Health and Social Development will provide whatever assistance and support necessary to ensure its successful implementation,” she said.

Honourable Penn stated that Government is aware of the importance of diversifying the economy “so as to be better able to withstand the economic realities of the world”.
“We are very aware of the importance of enhancing the socio-economic conditions in our country for the advancement of our people and for our children to come,” the Minister said.

Speaking about the consultancy process Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Ms. Carolyn O’Neal announced that the work of the consultancy, which was awarded to the firm Effect Incorporate for $551,922.97, is divided into two phases. “In phase one, the consultant will be required to search and analyse medical schools; produce a shortlist of prospective schools in ranking order and submit periodic written reports as defined under the heading ‘Deliverables’, she outlined.

Ms. O’Neal explained that in the second phase, “the consultant will be required to negotiate with the medical school(s) selected and assist with the legislation and policy framework for the approved medical school(s).”

Permanent Secretary O’Neal announced that the first and second phase is expected to last six and four months, respectively. She added that the firm submitted the first report on June 27 which was ahead of the established deadline.

Principal Dr. Peter Chinloy of Effect Incorporated stated that while there are currently 34 medical schools throughout the Caribbean this initiative will be very beneficial for the Territory. He said that persons coming to the Territory for the purpose of studying will be long term residence who will be here year round and will contribute to the economic sector.

On August 7, 2009, Cabinet agreed and approved the establishment of medical schools in the Virgin Islands. A subsequent request was sent to Cabinet seeking approval to hire a consultant which was approved on November 5, 2009. Hence, on May 27 of this year Government signed the consultancy agreement with Effect Incorporated