Opposition Leader speaks out about Dr. Gill’s situation

"We the Opposition are  aware of some of the problems our people are struggling with. We have heard your cries - one of the current issue is the question of Dr. Vanessa Gill. What will happen? She understands that she is not wanted at Peebles Hospital."  This statement was part of the speech delivered by the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Ralph T O'Neal on Tuesday 13 July on ZBVI Radio. Hon. O'Neal said that he believes when Dr. Gill wrote within the terms of her contract that she would like her employment to continue. The proper thing to do was to reply to her in writing, not as Mr. O’Neal understands to have the Chief of Medical Staff tell her that her services are no longer needed at Peebles Hospital.

Mr. O'Neal went on to say that the people who have made representation would like to have Dr. Gill practice privately in the territory. Hon. O'Neal further stated that Dr. Gill has applied to the Hon. Minister of Health and Welfare to continue her practice in the Territory.

The Leader of the Opposition disclosed that he discussed the matter with the Minister on Thursday July 1 and was informed that the Minister must first discuss the matter with his colleagues (Executive Council) before he could send Dr. Gill an answer. Mr. O'Neal said that he understood that the Executive Council must be involved because one Minister, the Chief Minister is responsible for immigration and the Minister of Natural Resources and Labour is responsible for the issue of permits.

 The Leader of the Opposition disclosed that he spoke to the Chief Minister on 25 June and told him according to the wishes of the people he should be careful in coming to a decision about Dr. Gill and her application to practice privately in the territory. Mr. O'Neal referred to the case many years ago of Dr. Robin Tattersall, where there were certain people in the community who wished to see him removed from the territory. Those people presented petitions to Dr. the Hon. Willard Wheatley who was the then Chief Minister and although he was pressured by the elements who wanted Dr. Tattersall gone,  Mr. Wheatley stood his ground and said that he was not going to satisfy the petitioners’ request.

Mr. O'Neal said there is one conclusion that can be drawn and that is that Dr. Gill should be allowed to practice privately in the territory.