In a recent media release, Chairman of the BVIHSA Mr. Ron Potter has articulated the grounds for which he is refusing to step down as Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board as was recently requested of him by Health Minister Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley.
Mr. Potter in his release which was received by our news agency today Sunday September 15th, 2024 stated, “I confirm that I was requested via a WhatsApp message by the Honourable Minister to resign my position as Chairman in light of the recent regrettable and tragic events affecting healthcare services. I note that local online media houses are reporting that the relationship with the Minister and I are strained. If this reporting is true, I was certainly unaware of a strained relationship prior to the articles.”
DEDICATED AND COMMITTED CHAIRMAN
Mr. Potter in describing his service at BVIHSA as dedicated and committed further added, “I consider that I have been a dedicated and committed Chairman of the BVIHSA during my tenure and it is my desire, with the support of the hardworking team at the BVIHSA, to continue to develop the public healthcare sector of the Territory to the best of my ability, so long as God will grant me favour. Additionally, the allegation that I am single-handedly blocking the proposed medical school is unfounded and without merit as negotiations are ongoing. As such, it is not my intention to resign my position as Chairman as there are no grounds, or reasons for me to do so.”
He further cited the BVIHSA Act governing his appointment. “The BVI Health Services Authority Act, 2004 (the “Act”) governs my appointment, and my removal. The Act created a body corporate with perpetual succession independent of central Government. The roles of the BVIHSA’s Board versus that of the Minister are clearly demarcated. While appointment to the Board is made by Cabinet on the recommendation of the Minister, the Act requires grounds for the removal of an office holder. Having reviewed the Act, I am confident that no grounds exist for my removal if the laws of the Territory are to be followed and fairly applied. I believe that the public would expect no less in this newfound age of good governance and transparency.”
INSUFFICIENT BOARD MEMBERS
Potter also alleged that the board has been operating with an insufficient number of members. “Unfortunately, since July 2024, the BVIHSA’s Board has been without sufficient board members to have meetings and make vital decisions for the advancement of healthcare in the Territory. The appointment of new board members is the responsibility of Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Minister.”
Potter further stated, “I remain committed to the Territory of my birth, and its people to give them the best healthcare system possible. I believe that access to a good healthcare system is a fundamental right of the people of this Territory. As such during my tenure, I have championed, and will continue to champion, the proper funding of the BVIHSA overall, completion of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Center, improvements to the hospital and community clinics, establishment of medical and nursing schools and a cancer treatment center, amongst other things. I encourage all members of the community to support the BVIHSA to make these goals a reality.”
At the time of publication Health Minister Hon. Vincent Wheatley was unavailable for a comment. More to come as the story develops.