Hon. Myron Walwyn, Opposition legislator, is urging the government to establish a Cancer Centre in the Virgin Islands, citing an alarming rise in cancer-related deaths across the territory.
Speaking during a recent House of Assembly session, Walwyn highlighted the changing landscape of cancer diagnoses in the Virgin Islands, noting that younger individuals are increasingly affected.
The legislator stressed the urgency of providing additional resources to the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to address the growing cancer crisis. According to Walwyn, these resources would enable the authority to conduct vital research into the causes behind the increase in cancer cases and the contributing factors.
Walwyn’s comments come amid growing concern about the prevalence of cancer in the territory, with many residents calling for improved healthcare infrastructure and specialized treatment facilities. A Cancer Centre, he argued, would provide a local solution for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, reducing the reliance on overseas medical services.
While no official response from the government has been provided yet, Walwyn’s call underscores the need for a proactive approach to combating cancer in the Virgin Islands.