Premier recalls Hon Marlon A. Penn fired previous BVIHSA Board Chairman
![Moleto A. Smith Jr, who is now the Executive Director of the [US] VI Law Enforcement Planning Commission, was fired as Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board through a decision by Hon Marlon A. Penn in MArch 2023. Photo: VIC](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_8_800x_m_Moleto-Smith.jpg)
Hon Penn, while a guest on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024, said Mr Potter was being used as a “scapegoat” for the Health Minister who he said was “overwhelmed”.
Hon Penn also said the BVIHSA needed more money to operate, even though he didn’t make any effort to increase the Authority’s budget when he was Minister.
Hon Penn fired Moleto A Smith- Premier
Premier Wheatley had some words for Hon Penn when asked about the matter at a press conference on Monday, September 16, 2024, reminding that the previous BVIHSA Board chairman, Moleto A. Smith Jr, who was hired during the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government tenure, was fired by Hon Penn in March 2023.
“Ironically, when the Member for the 8th District became the Health Minister, there was a gentleman by the name of Moleto Smith, who was the chair of that Board. Through the decision from the Member for the Eighth District, who at the time was Health Minister, Moleto Smith was removed.
“I am just saying that there was precedent in recent history for the removal of the chair of the Health Service Authority Board before their term comes to completion,” Premier Wheatley responded.
No ‘political interference’
Asked if the removal of Mr Potter could amount to political interference, Premier Wheatley said since his government has been in office it has not functioned in any way that could be considered political interference.
“We can look at several examples of persons who chair boards and members of boards who we very clearly know don’t support the Virgin Islands Party, or don’t support us politically.
“We are interested in persons who are competent and who are effective serving on boards, and of course who would be willing to execute the vision of the minister and execute the vision of the government.”
Dr Wheatley also said the matter regarding Mr Potter will be taken to Cabinet.
See related articles below:
Ron R. Potter is being used as a ‘scapegoat’- Hon Marlon A. Penn
Chairman of BVIHSA Board Ron R. Potter asked to tender resignation
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26 Responses to “Premier recalls Hon Marlon A. Penn fired previous BVIHSA Board Chairman”
Marlon Decision is amongst one of the worse...Then again we are where we are a failing state because of bad decisions...lots of bad decision, no one takes responsibility, so the void of accountability, means no fix, hence the continued failure..
You guys are frustrated because you can no longer place youe rubber stamp puppets on the boards. What is worrying is that the Health Minister himself said the board is short of membera because nobody is applying. What does that say? For the same reason Ron us fighting back, to protect his good reputable name. Np sensible person will risk their character to serve on boards where rogue Ministers are involved. The Minister is crying of member shortage and wants to reduce it even more by firing the Chairman.
The purpose why people serve on these boards is to carry out the purpose of the board, not any political agenda. why the minister aint telling the people why he ask the chairman to resign.
When is SSB getting a director, it is nearly 3 months, this is ridiculous
Politicians at times exhibit convenient amnesia. They forget this is not the Stone Age when what was said in Anegada May have taken years to reach Jost Van Dyke. However, here is the news flash. We are now inntge Information Age and information is instaneous. The governing structure in the VI as other bloggers have noted is as &^%...kup as Hogan’s. Does it make sense to apoint someone as Minister of Health but the Said Minister is not in control of vital aspect of health. For example, the Chairman of the Health Board can thumb his/ her nose at the Minister. Insanity., Poor statutory board(s) policies created the on going nightmare. The BVIHSA is supposed to be self-supporting yet it receives $42M annually from the general fund. Yet the minister of health cannot as the Chairman of BVIHSA who he has lost confidence in to step aside for the public good. The governing structure with tge UK is another twisted story. But more time.