ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After being asked to resign as Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board, Mr Ron R. Potter has since hit back with resistance.
Mr Potter in a press release on September 15, 2024, said: “it is not my intention to resign my position as Chairman as there are no grounds, or reasons for me to do so.”
It is believed Mr Potter was asked to resign as a result of a fallout over the state of the Health Care Services in the Territory and reports that Mr Potter is allegedly blocking the proposed medical school.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Revovion A. Sprauve aka ‘Bucky’ died on August 31, 2024, after going to the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic in the Valley with an emergency but the clinic was closed and no one was answering any of the call numbers.
“I did quietly ask him to resign, yes,” Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) confirmed to our News Centre on September 12, 2024.
‘No grounds exist for my removal’- Potter
Mr Potter, in the same press release, argued that the BVI Health Services Authority Act, 2004 (the “Act”) governs his appointment, and removal.
“The Act created a body corporate with perpetual succession independent of central Government. The roles of the BVIHSA’s Board versus that of the Minister are clearly demarcated. While appointment to the Board is made by Cabinet on the recommendation of the Minister, the Act requires grounds for the removal of an office holder. Having reviewed the Act, I am confident that no grounds exist for my removal if the laws of the Territory are to be followed and fairly applied,” Mr Potter stated.
“I have nothing to say on this matter,” Minister Wheatley responded when asked to respond to Mr Potter’s position.
