BVIHSA Chair resists resignation request
Embattled BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Chairman Ron Potter has refused to step down despite Health Minister Vincent Wheatley’s request.
Wheatley’s request came amid public backlash over poor healthcare services in the territory. Potter explained in a press release issued over the weekend that the Health Minister asked him to resign via WhatsApp.
Potter said he considers himself a dedicated and committed chairman of the BVIHSA and defended his record and his decision to stay on. He pointed out that his removal must adhere to legal guidelines established by the BVI Health Services Authority Act, 2004.
According to Potter, the law requires grounds for removing a Board Chair, and he expressed confidence that no such grounds exist in this case. Potter emphasised his commitment to improving healthcare services in the BVI, adding that he would continue to work toward developing public healthcare, “so long as God will grant me favour”.
No board meetings since July
Potter also revealed that the BVIHSA’s Board has been without sufficient members to hold meetings and make vital decisions for advancing healthcare in the territory since July 2024. He said appointing new board members is the Cabinet’s responsibility, at the Health Minister’s recommendation.
Potter also touched on alleged strained relations between himself and the Health Minister, saying he was unaware of any strain before media reports surfaced. Additionally, he rejected allegations that he was single-handedly blocking a proposed medical school, asserting that negotiations were ongoing.
The BVIHSA Chair called for community support to achieve healthcare improvements in the territory, including establishing medical and nursing schools and a cancer treatment centre.
Public frustration with the current state of healthcare services has been intensifying, particularly following an incident where Potter was allegedly smiling during a serious discussion about delays in urgent medical care on Virgin Gorda.
That incident sparked further outrage, with residents expressing concern over the government’s handling of healthcare on the island. Potter has since denied these accusations, stating that his demeanour was misinterpreted.
Wheatley has confirmed with BVI News that he asked for Portter’s resignation but declined to specify his reason for wanting the BVIHSA Chairman to demit office.
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is saying )> ain’t no way am gonna let this wannabe whatever push me out of my job
That smirk on his face doesn’t signify he’s insensitive but I’m sure it represents the bulls**t the minister himself doing for the healthcare system. All what’s happening here is that Wheatley trying to pass blame on the chairman knowingly Wheatley doesn’t care about the healthcare given to the BVI. That’s what they do, find someone to blame to clear the ministers name. Politics is dirty business!
we are stuck with this weak inefficient Health care system. Acting as though it just got broken the last 2.5 years. And have people like this gentelman acting as though he is entitled to be the Chairman .No wonder there is and can never be no progress. SMH.Thats why there is a call for UK takeover.
by the failed Minister of Health in this debacle is more likely than the BVIHSA Chairman.
Imagine having an incompetent Minister trying to make a competent man look bad… Smh
Thank you!
Fight for your rights!
Potter said he considers himself a dedicated and committed chairman of the BVIHSA and defended his record and his decision to stay on.
Potter, it’s because of your dismal record that you are being asked to leave
how this man look like Andrew soo in this picture?
Whatever the final outcome, I applaud this good gentleman for standing up and defending his integrity. Imagine – insulting the man by sending him, of all things, a text message asking him to resign. Imagine – the audacity!!!
Too long – far too long have we BVIslanders been stifled; afraid to speak out or act because of rampant victimisation and ostracism by those we choose to represent us. We speak among our circles about our disgust and disappointment. We are said to be meek and called all kinds of names. Many persons often mistake our meekness for weakness and tread heavily on our toes.
Enough of that nonsense and about time, too. About time that the joyriders, frequent travellers and partygoers who ‘represent’ us and take us for granted realise that we the people are their bosses, not the other way around. Travelling up and down at our expense and we seldom, if ever, get value for money. Pushing self sufficiency and we are light years away from that because no preparations are in place. Zilch! Playing with our lives and the future of our children, after our forefathers worked so hard on our behalf. Sickening!
Let’s hope that people are taking note of what is happening. A new day is dawning for the BVI. About time, too.
Stand up for your principles, people. Stand up for your integrity. Stop taking nonsense.
I love it!
The portrayal of BVIslanders you’ve offered seems to come from an entirely different reality. Have you ever attempted to navigate a government office, or any institution for that matter, in pursuit of a straightforward task? Meek? Victimized? More often, it’s the reverse—they are the ones engaging in obstruction. The gentleman in question exemplifies precisely why the country stagnates: a blend of selfishness, entitlement, hubris, and a pervasive ‘every man for himself’ attitude. If you genuinely care about the future of your children, you’d take a more objective stance, holding the appropriate individuals accountable, regardless of personal loyalties. Far too many of our decisions are made on the basis of sentiment, rather than reason.