Five new members have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA). This marks a significant step toward strengthening healthcare governance and oversight. Their appointment restores the Board’s quorum and allows critical decision-making and strategic initiatives to move forward.
The newly appointed Board members, approved by Cabinet, include:
• John Cline – Member
• Noelene Levons
• Mitsy J. Ellis-Simpson
• Stacy Lloyd – Member
• Samantha Stevens
They join the returning members:
• Ron Potter – Chairperson
• Rosetta Crandall – Member
• Tashel Martin-Jackson – Member
A Renewed Focus on Accountability and Strategic Leadership
The reconstitution of the Board comes at a pivotal moment for the BVI’s healthcare system, presenting an opportunity to address key areas such as governance, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency. During the official Board orientation and training session, Hon. Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, underscored the importance of strong leadership, sound financial management, and strategic investment to strengthen and elevate healthcare services across the Territory.
“As a Board, you have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that public healthcare contributes to the well-being and development of the Territory,” Minister Wheatley stated. “This means
ensuring financial accountability, strengthening healthcare delivery, and improving patient outcomes. We have two years to make meaningful progress, and that starts today.”
High-Level Healthcare Governance Training & Orientation
To support the Board in its mission, the HLSCC’s Robert Mathavious Institute facilitated the high-level Healthcare Governance Training & Orientation on March 25, 2025. This session, hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to aligning BVIHSA with its healthcare mandate.
The new Board members of the BVI Health Services Authority took part in an orientation focused on key priorities. These included improving transparency and accountability, strengthening emergency, maternal, child, and chronic care services, and promoting health education and disease prevention. The team also discussed financial reforms through the National Health Insurance system and plans to hire and train more healthcare staff.
“The absence of a quorum presented challenges in advancing key healthcare initiatives,” said Dr. June Samuel, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BVIHSA. “However, with the new Board in place, we can now focus on strengthening our healthcare system, improving patient care, and ensuring operational efficiency.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Tasha Bertie, emphasized the Ministry’s expectations for improved governance, service optimization, and financial accountability. “Good governance is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system,” Ms. Bertie stated. “This training ensures that BVIHSA’s leadership is well-equipped to drive policy decisions that prioritize patient care, operational efficiency, and sustainable healthcare solutions for the Virgin Islands.”