Ron R. Potter is being used as a ‘scapegoat’- Hon Marlon A. Penn
Hon Penn was a guest on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024, when he was asked his views on the recent request by Hon Wheatley for Mr Potter’s resignation.
Potter asked to 'quietly resign' by Health Minister
It was revealed last week that the Health and Social Development Minister had asked Mr Potter to quietly resign following fallouts over the state of the BVIHSA and the declining administration of health care services, access to and availability of essential health services in the VI.
One of the major issues causing residents to become more vocal about their dissatisfaction was the passing of Mr Revovion A. Sprauve aka ‘Bucky’ on August 30, 2024, on Virgin Gorda.
Mr Potter also came under fire from the public for his easygoing disposition at the community meeting called following Mr Sprauve’s death. Mr Potter was accused of smiling and appearing to make light of the concerns of the people.
In his defence, Mr Potter said that this was his “natural disposition” and meant no offence to the people of Virgin Gorda.
He also revealed that he would not be resigning as Chairman of the BVIHSA since there is no grounds for his removal.
Health Minister overwhelmed- Hon Penn
Mr Potter was assigned to the role of Chairman of the BVIHSA while Hon Penn was serving in government as the Minister for Health.
He said, “All it is the minister is under tremendous pressure, he needs a scapegoat, he finds the perfect scapegoat in Ron Potter,” Hon Penn stated on Talking Points.
BVIHSA needs additional government assistance- Hon Penn
Hon Penn explained that he has looked into the budget of the BVIHSA and said it is the first board he has seen that has a clear and workable plan of self-sufficiency and only asked the government for very specific support.
The BVIHSA has a budget of 42 million dollars from the government, however, it costs about 65 million dollars annually to operate.
Hon Penn added that there are several health services that can be termed “public good cost” inclusive of clinics, "free" health care for seniors, children and government workers from the BVIHSA which has to “foot” the bill which amounts to about 20 million dollars. There is also the dialysis unit which caters to fifty-six patients at an annual cost of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars each.
“I’m not saying that the HSA shouldn’t offer these, they’re public good cost but the government of the day must subsidise these costs,” he argued.
Hon Penn also accused Hon Wheatley of not fighting for the necessary funds for his ministry.
There are a few requests for added assistance when it comes to health care for the various districts in the VI, the former Health Minister said.
“He’s the minister for the subject and we went through the budget process, and I didn’t hear the minister fight for any of that resources that was asked in any way."
Hon Penn added that the money the BVIHSA is currently receiving is not enough to run its operations.
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11 Responses to “Ron R. Potter is being used as a ‘scapegoat’- Hon Marlon A. Penn”
Vincent needs to fight a bit harder for what he needs.
I believe the answer is clear.