Local News
Board of Immigration Holds Inaugural Meeting and Orientation Session
The newly formed Board of Immigration convened for its first meeting on September 6, where members gathered for an orientation and training session.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, was present to deliver remarks and provide guidance to the board members as they embark on their new roles.
In attendance were Chairman Troy Christopher and board members Mrs. Shakira Skelton Leonard, Mrs. Michelle Todman-Smith, Ms. Avelinda Freeman, Ms. Michelle Frett-Mathavious, Ms. Kamika Forbes, along with reappointed members Mrs. Rexella Hodge and Ms. Kimberly Seagojo. Also present were Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Ian Penn, who serves as an ex officio member of the Board, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development Mr. Malvern Brathwaite, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge, and Secretary to the Board Mrs. Germain Cline.
As the Board of Immigration begins its work, it will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing immigration policies and procedures in the British Virgin Islands. The diverse expertise and experiences of the board members will contribute to the development of a robust and fair immigration system that aligns with the country’s goals and values.
Local News
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Health
Health Minister Calls for BVI Health Services Authority Chairman’s Resignation
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.
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