Following a recent article titled “BVIHSA and Auditor Dian Fahie Issue Public Apology to Lettsome & Malone-Smith,” counsel for the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has issued clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the public apology.
The original article suggested that the BVIHSA’s apology to former employees Mr. Levor Lettsome and Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith, stemming from statements made in a Preliminary Audit Report in November 2021, was linked to a court ruling in their favour. However, counsel for the BVIHSA has since confirmed that the entity was not involved in any trial before the High Court relating to Lettsome and Malone-Smith.
Counsel further noted that contrary to the initial report, the dispute between the BVIHSA and the two individuals was resolved amicably without the involvement of a trial or court ruling.
Both Lettsome, who served as Human Resources Manager, and Malone-Smith, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, were placed on non-disciplinary leave due to allegations of misconduct which stemmed from the Preliminary Audit Report.
BVIHSA’s counsel has emphasized that the apology was issued in good faith and reflects their commitment to resolving the matter respectfully and amicably.