BVI Health Services Authority Members Receive Orientation

Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC (front row, centre) addressed new members of the BVI Health Services Authority Board during a one-day orientation workshop on Monday, 25 August at Treasure Isle Hotel. The Minister can be seen in this group photo which was taken at the orientation. Left-to-right (back row): Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Ms. Petrona N. Smith, Dr. Irad Potter, Dr. Ronald Georges, Mr. Maurice Lettsome, Professor Errol Waldron, and Mr. Clarence Faulkner Jr. Front-row (left-to-right): Mrs. Ethel Spaan, Mr. Glenroy Forbes, Honourable Dancia Penn, Mr. Frederick Creque, and Mr. Cromwell Smith. (Photo credit:  Mr. Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS)

Government’s expectations were restated when the Ministry of Health and Social Development conducted a one-day orientation workshop on Monday, 25 August at the Treasure Isle Hotel conference room.
In her opening remarks Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC, repeated Government’s appreciation to the new members for accepting the invitation to serve on the Board, among other things.

“We are committed to completing the New Peebles Hospital, to building a mini-hospital on Virgin Gorda, to building a poly-clinic in the East End/Long Look area, and to upgrading all of our community clinics including those in Anegada and Jost Van Dyke,” she said. The Honourable Minister further noted Government’s intention to seek accreditation for Peebles Hospital.

Other challenges she mentioned include the recruitment and retention of doctors, nurses, and professionals in the allied health fields; terms and conditions for these; the need for systems and clearer policies in the health services; and the need to revisit the governance structures in the sector.

The Honourable Minister told the BVIHSA members that Government is keen to adopt a proactive approach to improve and expand the Territory’s primary healthcare facilities. “There are many challenges that would face you but I am confident that the Board will rise to these serious challenges,” she said.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms. Petrona N. Smith made opening remarks and reminded the Board members about the great responsibility that has been entrusted to them. “I encourage you to exercise the duties of your term of office in a professional, productive and effective manner,” she said.

In addition, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter made an opening presentation entitled “The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority Board Working in Tandem to Make the Whole,” in which he identified several urgent challenges that must be addressed such as ensuring the Territory’s most vulnerable residents have adequate access to the healthcare system.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Other presentations included “The Structure and Function of the BVI Health Services Authority” by Director of Primary Health Care Dr. Ronald Georges; “The Legislative Framework – The BVI Health Services Authority Act, 2004 – The Legal Implications,” by Mr. Ian McIntyre; and “The Board’s Fiduciary Responsibility: Fiscal Budget and Sources of Financing for the Health Services,” which was delivered by Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith.

Lawyer and former Financial Secretary Mr. Glenroy Forbes was recently appointed to serve as Chairman of the BVIHSA Board. The other appointed members are Deputy Chairman Mr. Clarence Faulkner Jr., Mr. Cromwell Smith, Dr. Dantae Davies, Mr. Maurice Lettsome, Mrs. Ethel Spaan, Dr. Joel Stevens, Professor Errol Waldron, and Mr. Frederick Creque. The BVI Health Services Authority Act provides for the appointment of a nine members, two of whom are chosen by the Minister of Health, and by the Leader of the Opposition, and appointed by Cabinet.