Jack Husbands new head of Insurance Tribunal
Husbands. (Photo provided)
Local attorney Jack Husbands has been appointed as the new chairman of government’s Insurance Tribunal.
Eric Ball previously chaired the Tribunal, which was created to help fast-track settlements between aggrieved residents and insurers.
The government did not explain why Ball is no longer head of the recently-implemented Tribunal.
But, while announcing the change in chairmanship on Friday, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr D Orlando Smith thanked Ball for “his commitment to addressing the concerns of residents as they navigated the insurance claims process”.
He went on to congratulate Husbands for taking up the mantle of chairman.
Husbands has served as a magistrate in the BVI and is currently a fellow of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators.
Meanwhile, the Tribunal will be terminated when it fulfils its mandate of assisting residents and insurers reach amicable settlements.
Roughly 60 percent of insured residents have received payouts so far.
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How does the NDP government go about chooseing people for these positions. .. Is any venting ever done? Are there no Virginislanders to hold these positions? Time to have this group removed.
The NDP only want the locals to head to the polls
vetting not venting
I have dealt with Jack H. on personal family matters years ago. I really think he is a decent person and probably more of a BVIslander than those of us who hold belonger’s ID/passsports.
I believe he is originally from Barbados, but in my opinion has immersed himself in BVI cultural and community life more than a great majority of the generations of born and bred locals. So give him a chance…what should matter most to you is his competency, not the fact that he is not a VirginIslander. Ignorance can be so bliss at times, but I know you know better.
Why does it always have to come down to belongers vs expats we just need the help no matter where it comes from and a great legal mind is a good start..
I hold no brief for Mr. Husbands, although I have met him and believe him to be intelligent, level-headed and fair. The comments force me to ask the question, how long does one have to live in, work in, and commit and contribute to the VI before one is seen as being able to make a worthwhile contribution beyond paying taxes, social security, and NHI?
If they appointed a local they will still have a problem. But I would consider Mr. Husbands a belonger now if he isnt already. He has been in this Territory for many many years and served in various capacities. I would say a good gentleman.
Why is it that aside from David Archer that only the old and retired get positions?
May be being a well seasoned professional is respected and appreciated and solid experience counts!
Good choice, we in the Virgin Islands need to get pass this none sense of where you are from when it comes to important matters such as this. Jack is a seasoned lawyer and have lived and worked here for many years. Who said a local person will do the job that is required. Do a good job Jack, I know you will.
The tribunal is good short term tool to mitigate property insurance claims. Hurricane Irma and Maria severely damaged thousands of properties in the territory; the damages were/ are clearly obvious and claims should have been processed expeditiously. Instead, the slow processing of claims has inflicted additional pain on insurees.
Six months after the hurricane devastation, hundreds of insured are left holding their hands over their heads with unbearable frustration. The Premier threats and government action are not expediting the claim process. It appears as if some Insurance companies are slow walking the claim process . One of the biggest problem is that insurees are being told they are under insured. What does under insured means?
Does it mean that the cost of damages exceed what the property is insured for? Does it mean that a property is insured for less than replacement value? Does it mean that a property is insured for less than 80% of replacement value and a partial loss will not be covered at a 100%? Ok. Did the insurer properly explain under insurance to the insured? What was government role in protecting the consumer?
Ok. Going forward government needs to take proactive action to protect the consumers. Protecting consumers should mean that insureds understand what they are buying and that insurers are held accountable for adhering to current insurance rules. Government needs to appoint an insurance commisioner or equivalent within the Ministry of Finance, establish an insurance public education and outreach programme, promote insurance seminars at HLSCC, pass and implement a consumer protection agency, facilitate expediting the processing of claims……….etc.