Potter being used as a scapegoat — Penn
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has argued that BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Chairman Ron Potter is being made a scapegoat for the territory’s healthcare woes.
Speaking on the Talking Points show, Penn disagreed with the calls for Potter’s removal. Penn shared that he believes the government is attempting to deflect blame for its shortcomings onto Potter.
“I think it’s just another issue where the government is trying to use Ron as a scapegoat,” Penn said. He highlighted the BVIHSA’s recent budget proposal, which he described as demonstrating a “clear plan of self-sufficiency and a workable plan of self-sufficiency.”
Penn pointed out the financial challenges faced by the BVIHSA, including a $23 million operational deficit and the burden of providing free services to certain groups, which amounts to nearly $20 million annually. He emphasised that the government should subsidise these “public good costs” rather than expecting the BVIHSA to bear the burden alone.
The Eighth District Representative criticised Health Minister Vincent Wheatley for not advocating for the BVIHSA’s budgetary needs during the budget process.
He suggested that the minister is now under pressure and is using Potter as a scapegoat to avoid accountability. “All it is, the minister is under tremendous pressure. He needs a scapegoat. And he finds the perfect scapegoat in Ron Potter,” Penn asserted.
Motives questioned
Penn also questioned the government’s motives, suggesting they are reverting to the same practices that led to the Commission of Inquiry (COI). He highlighted the COI’s recommendations against using boards as “political footballs” and removing people without just cause.
“If we’re going to use the same playbook to do the things that brought us to the COI, how are we ever going to get out of this?” Penn questioned. In addition to the financial challenges, Penn pointed out that the BVIHSA board has not been properly constituted since July, hindering its ability to make crucial decisions.
He criticised the minister for neglecting his responsibility to ensure the board’s proper functioning. Penn expressed admiration for Potter’s dedication and commitment as chairman and said Potter has the potential to turn around the BVIHSA’s financial difficulties if given the necessary support.
“I think if anyone could turn around the financial difficulties that HSA has been having, I think he could do it. That’s why I recommended him,” Penn stated.
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Sir, you cannot have it both ways. On the one hand, you openly acknowledge a $23 million shortfall, yet you were Health Minister only a year and a half ago. What, pray tell, did you do to close that gap? What proposals did the Chairman bring forward to address this deficit? Now you lay blame at the feet of the current Health Minister, accusing him of not advocating forcefully enough. Would his passionate pleas have secured the funds? Unlikely. What you seem to demand is not sound governance, but performative politics—a public spectacle to demonstrate fervor, regardless of the outcome.
This is where we falter—valuing performance over results. Ironically, it was your own precedent that set the stage for the removal of the Chairman. Let’s not indulge in hypocrisy now. Indeed, as each new administration assumes power, it would be prudent to establish a system similar to that of the United States, where resignations from Cabinet secretaries are expected. This would prevent obstructionists from hindering the governing party’s vision and ensure smooth execution. If a Chairman can demonstrate objectivity and alignment with the Minister’s agenda, fine. If not, they should be shown the door.
You have been all over the online sites trying to distract from the real issues… stop playing politics with our health… stop.
This is a distraction from Vincent failings as the Minister.
Ron is not responsible for the placing of staff, hiring or firing . People sprout off their mouths without inowing the Responsibilities of Ron and the Responsibilities of the CEO and administration of the Hospital staff.
We need to educate our people “Keep them in darkness and you manipulate them “
Vincent should be ashamed !!! I honestly believe UK should take over for two years and let us compare the growth of our economy.
Tired of the colonial white man talk . We are holding our knees on our own neck.
The politicians asked them if they took the “Greedy Bill” see how much will say emphatically yes without justification…
Aunt, cousind, uncles, aunties, grandparents are not going against their own even though and corruption is still taking place .
Keep blaming the Governor well sah!!!