We, the undersigned, petition the Premier, the Head of the Government of the Virgin Islands in regards to the National Health Insurance scheme, which is slated to start on January 1st 2016.  The following issues are of concern to us:

The National Health Insurance scheme is mandatory for all persons residing in the Virgin Islands, and, therefore, may result in 60% of the population losing the private insurance provided through their employers who more than likely would not pay for both.

The National Health Insurance scheme will restrict choice as it pertains to health care providers.

The National Health Insurance scheme will more than likely result in the layoff of some employees working in the private health insurance industry.

The National Health Insurance scheme will place an additional burden on small businesses, which may find it difficult to pay contributions to the scheme.

The National Health Insurance scheme will increase the cost of living.

The government has not presented evidence to the public that the National Health Insurance scheme will be viable and sustainable.

Considering these factors, we, the undersigned, call on the Premier to halt the implementation of the NHI in its current form and initiate negotiations with the private insurance industry, employers, employees, citizens and residents and relevant government entities to create an insurance package that can provide coverage for the 40% of Virgin Islanders uninsured, allowing those who are satisfied with their private insurance to keep it.