A significant shift occurred within the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley requested the resignation of Chairman Ron Potter.

The reasons for this request remain unclear, and it has not yet been confirmed whether Potter has complied. Potter, who was appointed Chairman in 2023, succeeded Moleto A. Smith, a U.S. Virgin Islands resident who was also reportedly compelled to step down.

The Cabinet’s decision to remove Smith and appoint Potter was formalised in a document from the Cabinet’s meeting on March 8, 2023. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to appoint Potter, a former Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation, to lead the BVIHSA Board for a three-year term, pending approval by the House of Assembly.

Smith’s removal, which took place before the end of his contract set to expire in July 2024, was not fully explained. The Cabinet cited Schedule 1, Section 3(1) of the BVI Health Services Authority Act 2004 as the basis for Smith’s removal. This provision allows the Minister of Health to remove a board member if they have been absent from three consecutive meetings without consent, become disqualified, unable to fulfil their duties, or breached their appointment conditions.

Further details about the potential changes at the BVIHSA remain undisclosed, and no official statement has been issued regarding the matter.

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, proudly celebrated the graduation of eight students from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programme on September 2.

This marks the third cohort of graduates from the rigorous 10-month course, a key component of the ongoing effort to bolster emergency medical services across the British Virgin Islands.

Sapphire Flax-Clarke of Virgin Gorda was honoured as the Most Outstanding Student.

The EMT Programme is part of a wider strategy by the Ministry of Health and Social Development to enhance emergency response capabilities in the territory, including on the main island of Tortola and its sister islands. Earlier this year, in March, the BVIHSA expanded its fleet of ambulances, including a new vehicle assigned to Virgin Gorda, generously donated by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). This expansion is a critical component of the Ministry’s strategy to improve emergency care by providing prompt, high-quality medical response in all communities.

Currently, Virgin Gorda benefits from a dedicated paramedic and EMT, both trained to handle a wide range of emergencies. The Ministry’s commitment to expanding its emergency medical services includes plans to launch an Advanced EMT course, which will equip practitioners with the skills necessary to perform more complex medical interventions. This advancement is expected to improve patient outcomes significantly, reduce mortality rates, and strengthen public health infrastructure across the territory.

“The Ministry is steadfast in its dedication to ensuring that every resident and visitor receives the highest standard of emergency care,” a spokesperson stated. “The EMT Programme and the addition of advanced training reflect our commitment to saving lives and improving health outcomes throughout the Virgin Islands.”

The latest cohort’s graduation symbolises a significant step forward in fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate to provide high-quality emergency medical services to all parts of the territory.

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Revovion “Bucky” Sprauve, who arrived at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on August 31 seeking medical care outside of the clinic’s adjusted hours. Tragically, Mr. Sprauve passed away before he could receive treatment.

In a statement issued after the incident, the BVIHSA extended its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sprauve’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the immense difficulty of this time and pledging full support. The Authority announced that it is currently gathering information to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is consulting with the Ninth District community to ensure all concerns are thoroughly addressed.

The Board and Executive Management emphasized their commitment to patient safety and accessibility, noting that the clinic’s reduced hours had been previously communicated. However, this tragic incident has prompted a review of protocols and procedures to maintain the highest standards of care. In response, the clinic has now resumed 24-hour operations.

The BVIHSA is also evaluating clinic hours, emergency response procedures, and communication strategies to better serve the community. They request privacy for Mr. Sprauve’s family and assure the public that they are addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available, with a commitment to full transparency.

However, before the BVIHSA released its statement, Mr. Sprauve’s niece, Maricia Sprauve, posted a scathing message on Facebook, criticizing the lack of timely medical attention and accusing both the health authorities and government officials of negligence. “At a time when demand for proper healthcare in the Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda, has never been higher, the BVI Health Services Authority and so-called elected officials continue to play Russian roulette with the lives of our people,” she wrote.

Describing the circumstances of her uncle’s death, Maricia Sprauve stated, “My uncle rushed to the new fancy, most bragged about public clinic/mini hospital in Virgin Gorda to have to meet an empty facility and to have to wait more than an hour. No doctor, no nurse, just the gentle breeze and mosquitoes! NO HELP WHATSOEVER from the people we trust with our very lives.”

She further expressed her frustration, saying, “We trust leaders, healthcare professionals to do all they can to ensure timely, high-quality healthcare for patients!!!! This should be their number one priority, but as usual, their so-called ‘efforts’ could never be backed with any sort of action. KEEP YOUR SORRY! KEEP YOUR EXCUSES!”

Her post conveyed a family’s deep anguish and called for urgent government action: “My uncle’s sudden death has brought layers of shock, distress, devastation and disbelief to a bereavement. The reality of what has happened may be very difficult to accept… Government of the Virgin Islands, please act now to prioritize this ongoing issue and protect us from this continuous negligence.”

The BVIHSA has reiterated its commitment to learning from this incident and improving healthcare services to prevent future tragedies, stressing that it remains focused on providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care to all its patients.