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Ron Potter Refuses to Resign Despite Request from Health Minister
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.

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888sport Acca Pub! Teljesen ingyenes játékforrások, választékok és előrejelzések
Tartalom
Teljes, míg a kezdők csak az összteljesítményre fogadhatnak, a tapasztalt résztvevők is kipróbálhatják a komplex tapasztalataikat. Nem meglepő módon a futball a legnépszerűbb sportág az oldalon. Több mint 800 sportesemény közül választhatnak a játékosok, így a megfelelő tevékenységkategóriát kapnak. A sportágak teljes választéka magában foglalja a népszerű szakmákat, például a sporteseményeket, baseballt, jégkorongot, baseballt, ökölvívást és röplabdát. (more…)
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BVI and U.N. Commission Call for Stronger Caribbean–Latin America Cooperation on Development Goals
Benito Wheatley, the British Virgin Islands Special Envoy, and José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, urged closer cooperation between the Caribbean and Latin America to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals during a regional forum in Santiago, Chile.
The meeting took place during the 9th Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held April 13 to April 16 in Santiago.
Both officials noted that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals stands at 19 percent, with four years remaining before the 2030 deadline, underscoring the need for increased coordination and investment across the region.
Mr. Wheatley, speaking in his capacity as vice chair of the 40th session of the commission, commended the organization’s work on development challenges and policies aimed at advancing economic and social outcomes. He emphasized the need to strengthen technical cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in resilience, investment and technology, citing fiscal constraints driven by debt and responses to external shocks.
Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs reaffirmed the commission’s support for the sustainable development of the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, noting that small island developing states, while largely middle-income, remain vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks and require continued international support.
He also commended the British Virgin Islands for its role at the forum, including its leadership of a Caribbean panel moderated by Mr. Wheatley in his capacity as vice chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee. The panel focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States through South-South cooperation.
Mr. Wheatley reiterated the territory’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to advancing regional priorities, including climate resilience.
“Through our various leadership roles within U.N. ECLAC, the British Virgin Islands will continue to advocate for the Caribbean to ensure the subregion’s priorities, including climate resilience, are taken into account in the intergovernmental deliberations of the wider region on the 2030 Agenda,” he said, adding that greater collaboration between the Caribbean and Latin America would be necessary to advance the goals within the remaining timeframe.
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Penn Appointed Leader of the Opposition in Virgin Islands
His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, on Tuesday appointed Honourable Marlon A. Penn, Representative for the Eighth District, as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, formalizing a recommendation from Opposition members and the National Democratic Party.
Hon. Penn signed the Instrument of Appointment and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday morning.
The appointment follows a recommendation submitted to the Governor by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly, who, after consultation, identified Hon. Penn as the member commanding majority support within the Opposition, as required under the Constitution.
In a statement issued April 21, the National Democratic Party said the recommendation reflected the confidence of both Opposition members and the party in Hon. Penn’s leadership. “The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.
Hon. Penn was elected Political Leader of the National Democratic Party during the party’s national convention held April 18 at Maria’s by the Sea. The convention brought together 121 delegates from across the territory and resulted in the selection of a new leadership team ahead of the next general election.
During the convention, Hon. Penn secured 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes. Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull was elected deputy chairman with 64 votes, defeating Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes. Paul A. Hewlett was confirmed as president unopposed, and Andrea Walters was elected vice president, defeating Troy Christopher.
Other officers elected included Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as assistant secretary, Eldon Solomon as treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as assistant treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as chairperson of the Women’s Movement.
Following his election as Political Leader, Hon. Penn said the outcome marked a new phase for the party. “I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” he said.
Hon. Turnbull said the leadership team would prioritize unity and policy-focused initiatives. “Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said.
Hon. Penn has represented the Eighth District in the House of Assembly since 2011 and previously served as Minister for Health and Social Development. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2019 to 2022 following the general election that year.
Under the Virgin Islands Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.
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