Bishop Cline explains BVIHSA salary delays
Bishop John Cline, a board representative of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), has shed light on the reason behind recent delays in salary payments to staff members, attributing this to a transition between payroll systems.
In an interview with JTV News, Cline explained that payroll submissions to the bank were delayed during this transition, resulting in payment issues. He assured staff that these problems would be resolved by the end of this month.
According to the clergyman, ensuring staff are properly compensated and bringing salaries up to industry standards is a high priority for the board. He also acknowledged the importance of improving staff morale and infrastructure to provide quality healthcare services.
“We have not been able to do that, but we are committed as a board to make that happen. So we understand the disgruntledness of the staff,” Cline stated.
Beyond payroll system changes, the BVIHSA continues to grapple with broader financial difficulties. The high cost of electricity is a significant burden, with the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital consuming substantial power.
Hospital not a revenue-generating entity
Bishop Cline emphasised that the hospital is not a revenue-generating entity like private sector facilities but is primarily funded through government subventions via the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme. This reliance makes it challenging to meet high operational costs, leading to delays in payments to suppliers and service providers.
In response to these financial challenges, Health Minister Vincent Wheatley recently announced plans to bring in a financial expert to assist the BVIHSA in managing its finances more effectively. He stressed the importance of proper financial management to prevent escalating expenses. The government has also decided to write off nearly $20 million owed by the BVIHSA to strengthen its financial health and enhance healthcare services.
The BVIHSA is also facing staffing challenges, particularly in retaining healthcare professionals. Many doctors and nurses are leaving the territory for better opportunities abroad, where salaries and working conditions are more attractive. Minister Wheatley highlighted that starting salaries for nurses in the BVI are significantly lower than in other jurisdictions, making it difficult to retain healthcare workers.
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I tired of these kind of people. When will other people in the country get a chance to make a contribution. When will the younger generation get a chance to come forward. John Cline, Ronnie Skelton, Lorna Smith, Julian Fraser and others who are 70 and over it’s time to give others a chance. You had your time. Now I hear John Cline want to run with the NDP. I sick of them.
If the BVI could recycle garbage like we recycle people the place would be clean. It ain’t got nobody else beside the same people all the time? The same set of people benefitting in this country all the time. No wonder he out there making noise for his friend Ronnie because he know how he would benefit if Ronnie is Premier.
I hope you are also noticing what the Young People are doing to our territory.. The BVI Territory right now is at an all time Low. We are the laughing Stock of the World. And to Top it off, they talking about Independence? Independence with this Bunch? God see for US. A Government with No inclusion of the People when it comes to Decision Making. A Government going abroad claiming they are there on behalf of the People they don’t even speak with??? Oh Please!! A Government making a decision under the guise of Unity Government with the UK without First discussing with the people who voted them there?
Sorry to say but John Cline and the others are not the answer. Young people will make mistakes. I am sure you made mistakes when you were younger. Let the old guide the young. Not be there tripping them up. Go siddung.
Examine this:
Lorna Smith: crossed the floor and betrayed her party and went against the wishes of the people to have a new government. Nobody could trust her.
Julian Fraser: Hungry for power and cross the floor for his own benefit
Ronnie Skelton: destroyed the NDP for his selfish reason because he lost their party elections. He has been an uninspiring opposition leader and he feels entitled to be Premier when he has nothing left to offer
John Cline: If I start on all his … from the church to … to his … it would take me all day.
And guess what all of them are over 70 years. Give these young people a chance. Go siddung!
Just senior citizens desperate to hold on to power. We’re tired of hearing it. you always act like there’s no in between retirees and 20 year olds. What about 30, 40 hell even 50