In a recently received media release from the BVIHSA, Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Moleto Smith has officially issued a statement following the abrupt non-disciplinary dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Cedorene Patricia Malone-Smith and Human Resources Manager Mr. Levor Lettsome.
284 Media delayed reporting on the matter as our newsroom reached out to Health Minister Hon. Carvin Malone who assured that an official statement would be forthcoming from the agency.
The statement received today December 29th, 2021 stated, “This serves as notification of a current initiative of the BVIHSA Board of Directors aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Pursuant a September 28, 2021 decision, the Board requested the assistance of the Government of the British Virgin Islands Department of Internal Audit to conduct an independent review of all functional/operational components within the BVIHSA, including areas of high priority for the Board. The principle aim of this request is to glean independent recommendations to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the BVI Health Services Authority. Commencement of this initiative is currently underway.”
The statement continued by saying, “In order to best facilitate this process, individuals in certain positions within specific functional/operational areas to be reviewed may be placed on hiatus during the review process.”
As a result of these changes the public is now advised of the following during the initial phase of this process:
“1) Effective 5:01 pm, Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Ms. Angelina John, BVIHSA Chief Financial Officer, has been assigned/designated as Interim (Ag.) Chief Executive Officer by the BVIHSA Board of Directors, until such time as the initial phase of audit review is completed or such time as determined by the Board;
2) Effective 5:01 pm, Thursday, December 16, 2021 through January 10, 2022, which represents the period for which Ms. John is on approved vacation leave, Dr. June Samuel, BVIHSA Chief of Medical Staff, has been assigned/designated as Interim (Ag.) Chief Executive Officer by the BVIHSA Board of Directors; and,
3) Effective 8:00 am, Monday, December 20, 2021, Ms. Ishma Edwards, BVIHSA Patient Experience Manager, has been assigned/designated as Interim (Ag.) Human Resources Manager until the completion of the initial phase of the audit review or such time as determined by the BVIHSA Board of Directors.
The BVIHSA Board of Directors remains unwavering in its committed to working collaboratively to support the delivery of high quality, accessible, efficient, sustainable and accountable health care services, in order to provide the best health care outcomes for the people of the British Virgin Islands. We extend best wishes for a safe and family-filled Christmas 2021 and much blessings for a healthy New Year 2022!”