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by pltm
(PLTM) - There was not much to be said by the newly appointed Chairperson of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ms. Ayana Liburd, as the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Andrew Fahie spoke directly to the government on her behalf.
Prior to her official appointment to the post last evening, April 20 during the House of Assembly, Hon. Fahie expressed his hope for her tenure to be one different from that of the last Chair.
“I hope that the young lady that is taking over will be allowed to speak her mind if she has to, without any fear of victimization or backlash.”
He added, “You cannot build a Territory without differences in view and ideas coming to the table. Some of them are not the best in terms of how you present them, but sometimes you have to ignore how persons are saying things and look and see if they are up to mischief, or if it is out of the good of their hearts.”
Hon. Fahie went on to commend the work of the former Chair of the Authority, Bishop John Cline, noting that his sudden resignation is still a mystery to the Territory.
“He did a good job in the post. We know he is an outspoken person; whether you like what he says or not, he does so respectfully and he gives his views. He speaks from the love of his country.”
Commenting on Cline’s resignation from the board, Hon. Fahie said, “When these things happen, it leaves a void that we have to come to fill. I want to thank him for leaving in the admirable way that he did, because it could’ve been handled differently.
In January, Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith asked Bishop Cline to tender his resignation as Chairman of the BVIHSA. This move came on the heels of Bishop Cline making public comments to support the suggestion that Health Minister, Hon. Ronnie Skelton should be given the Ministry of Finance to help get the Territory back on track financially.
He also criticized the decision to undertake the T.B. Lettsome International Airport project at this time, given the shaky financial standing of the Territory.
Premier Smith subsequently told BVI Platinum News that he asked the Bishop to resign because his comments about the finances of the Territory and him as Finance Minister were inappropriate.
"I did ask him to resign. I thought his comments were inappropriate, considering that he is working with the government and the Chairman of the Board...confidence, people who are working (with government)," he told BVI Platinum News.
"I support all my Ministers in the work they do and we work very well together, and with their portfolios. At this moment, I am the chief, the Premier, the Minister of Finance, and I expect everybody to support me as I support them," the Premier added.
However, Cline has vowed that he will continue to speak out on matters affecting the Territory and urged persons to not let this incident deter them from speaking out.
