Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ron Potter, has refused to resign from his position, despite being directly asked to do so by the Minister of Health and Social Development.

The request, made via WhatsApp, came in the wake of several tragic incidents affecting the healthcare sector in the British Virgin Islands.

Potter made his position clear in a formal statement, rejecting the call to step down. He emphasised that his removal would require legal grounds under the BVI Health Services Authority Act of 2004, which governs the appointment and dismissal of board members. According to Potter, no such grounds exist. “It is not my intention to resign as Chairman, as there are no grounds or reasons for me to do so,” Potter declared, adding that the Act requires due process to be followed.

He further pointed out that the BVIHSA operates independently of central government, and that decisions regarding his removal must be legally justified. The Chairman also addressed media reports suggesting a strained relationship between himself and the Health Minister, noting that he was unaware of any tensions before reading the reports. “If this reporting is true, I was certainly unaware of a strained relationship prior to the articles,” Potter said, distancing himself from claims of discord within the healthcare administration. He also dismissed allegations that he was single-handedly blocking the development of a proposed medical school, calling them “unfounded and without merit.”

Potter’s statement highlighted his dedication to the healthcare system in the Territory. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully staffed BVIHSA board, which has prevented the board from holding critical meetings since July 2024. Despite these setbacks, Potter remains committed to his role, championing several key initiatives, including the completion of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Center, improvements to hospital and clinic infrastructure, and the establishment of medical and nursing schools.

Potter reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the British Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system. “I believe access to a good healthcare system is a fundamental right of the people of this Territory,” he said, urging the community to continue supporting the BVIHSA’s efforts to enhance healthcare services.

It is unclear whether the Minister of Health will pursue further action or attempt to resolve the situation with the Chairman.

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and District 3 resident Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee, has launched a new twist on their annual Back-to-School event, titled “3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3.”

This year, the event will focus on three schools in the Sea Cows Bay area: Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Anglican School, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Over 100 bags filled with books and other essential supplies will be donated directly to these schools, with principals and teachers determining which students need them most over the 2024-2025 school year.

Explaining the new approach, Willock said, “We noticed that many existing back-to-school events had restrictions, like requiring students to come from a particular district or pre-register. Our approach is simpler: we want to help students who genuinely need it, and who better to identify those students than the teachers and principals who interact with them daily?”

The only requirement for receiving supplies is that the students must be enrolled in one of the three selected schools. Donations are set to be made next week, all within a single day, in what Willock has dubbed the “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3” initiative.

Willock also highlighted plans for a separate, special initiative for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which is temporarily housed in the Sea Cows Bay area.

He expressed gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, his Third District Committee, and Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.

More than 100 bags filled with books, pencils, and other school supplies.

Seventy-nine individuals were officially welcomed as newly Naturalised British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) at a ceremony held on August 29 at Government House in the British Virgin Islands. The new citizens swore an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and pledged loyalty to the Virgin Islands, a requirement that formally confirms their status as British Overseas Territories Citizens.

His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce presented the certificates of Naturalisation and congratulated the new citizens. “Today is your day,” Governor Pruce said. “It gives me great pleasure to be part of an event where you are all committing yourselves loyally to new ties, which will stay with you for the rest of your lives. This is a highly enriching process, from which you as individuals, and the BVI as a Territory, will gain.”

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, emphasised that this occasion represents more than just receiving documentation. “You are joining a family that celebrates diversity and strives for greatness,” Premier Wheatley remarked. He acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of the new citizens, including educators, healthcare professionals, and other contributors to the community, calling them “a broad cross-section of individuals” who are now part of the BVI family.

Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro underscored that citizenship is not just a legal status but a bond of loyalty and mutual respect. “It signifies your commitment to uphold the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship, to contribute to the common good, and to work together for the prosperity and well-being of all,” she said, highlighting the strength that comes from the community’s collective diversity.

Naturalisation, under the British Nationality Act of 1981, allows individuals to become British Overseas Territories citizens. The event at Government House was a significant moment for the 79 new citizens, marking their formal entry into the Virgin Islands community.

The new citizens include individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the Virgin Islands.

The 79 new British Overseas Territories Citizens are: Adean Alexander Abrahams, Ahamad Alli, Bibi Shaira Alli, Jeffrey Ebenezer Antoine, Moses Richard Barrett, Eric St. Clair Bobb, Jennel Aduma Velisha James Browne, Suresh Budhu, Vincent James Clarke, Sulay Samuel Cortorreal, Eva Fe Nares Cook, Natalie Nicole Spencer Crosdale, Kevin Ezron Cummings, Tyra Tiffany Daniels, Guilene Estinls, Vermalene Elveda Skyers Fahie, Graham Jude Farinha, Milton Errol Felix, Felisha Amelia Kennisha Fisher, Marcelin Fontaine, Cadrena Tamara Patterson Forbes, Jeannette Forte, Dwight Maxwell Francis, Heather Natasha Francois, Alden Anthony Francois, Colin Adrian Fredericks, Paula Susan Frederick, Christopher Dominic Ghiorse, Victoria Louise Ghiorse, Dexter Kaziee Glasgow, Orland Rosco Glasgow, Iuliia Gulevych, Naline Harrigan, Lavern Maxcella Haywood, Claudette Ann Harris, Milton Harris, Chandrawattie Persaud Hinds, Brittney Jamelia James, David Reid James, Martin Steven Kenney, Magnus Theodore Latchman, Nicole Marie Claire Laurac, Sophie Louise Leroy, Bonny Compton Lindie, Alvin Ralston Matthew, Jaa-mala Jerome Miller, Alexander L. S. L. Mills, Hugh Everton Morrison, Joezette Elaine Morrison, Sandra Muir, Binns Disdale Nickie, Pearlie Sherma Nelson-Nickie, Nosa Everest Omo-Igbinomwanhia, Joan Asher O’Neal, Dawn Marcia Oswald, Barry Arthur Palmer, Agnes Paul, Vaman Romindranauth Ramlall, Shirvon Roach, Antoinette Samanta Leslie-Roberts, Anna Kiara Robinson, Anne Kira Robinson, Mickel Deshon Rogers, Shinia Timia Rowtham, Winston Washington Salmon, Denise Michelle Williams Simmons, Kerwyn Benjamin Simmons, Georgia Marilyn Slater, Anita Sookhoo, Allina Augustina Sprauve, Marvelyn Annette Baker-Smith, Ascar Osdale Sutherland, Gordon Teka, Allison Roselyn Oliver-Thomas, Christopher Carlyle Varlack, Indra Victor, Nurys Iris Vanterpool Welch, Neville Rolando Wilson, and Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford.