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Hon. Fraser raises concerns over Bishop Cline’s appointment

-points out alleged conflict of interest with Cline’s role as BVIHSA Chairman
Hon. Fraser (left) is concerned that there may be a conflict of interest with the appointment of Bishop Cline as Chairman of the BVIHSA
The had claimed responsibility for mistakenly cremating a still born baby although there has reportedly been no compensation to the affect couple at this time.
The had claimed responsibility for mistakenly cremating a still born baby although there has reportedly been no compensation to the affect couple at this time.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As firstly and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online that the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) at a cabinet meeting on January 19, 2012 had approved Bishop John I. Cline to become the new Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board, final approval was granted in the House of Assembly yesterday February 14, 2012 for his appointment although it was not without concerns from the opposition.

Bishop Cline replaces Attorney and former Financial Secretary Glenroy Forbes and his appointment is from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.

According to Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser RA, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), along with its components, is a socialist institution planted into a capitalist state and he has difficulty with the BVIHSA been looked upon as a business since one of the main reasons given for his appointment was him being business savvy.

He noted that everyone in the Territory is entitled to the best health services, whether they have money or not and that anyone who is in charge of the facility has to convince the people that such is the core understanding. “And if we look at the health services, Madam Speaker, as a drain on our resources then the pressure would come to bear on the chairman of this Board to do something about it, in other words Madam Speaker, to make it profitable. I am afraid Madam Speaker that in so doing it jeopardises the health of our citizens.”

At this point, Hon. Fraser also suggested that the system should be changed in the House of Assembly to allow persons who are appointed to certain positions and departments to be able to come before the Committee to say what are their “philosophies, mentality, what are their thoughts and you can share with them what you expect....You have to let people know what you expect when they are in these positions”.

The 3rd District representative added he was not satisfied with the services of the BVIHSA as he receives numerous complaints from persons about the service and that is why he wanted to know how the new Chairman intends to deal with such issues.

Conflict of interest

Another concern raised by Honourable Fraser was that he believed Bishop Cline would be faced with a conflict of interest as Chairman of the BVIHSA. The opposition member was referring to the incident in October 2011 when the body of an infant went missing after the mother gave birth on October 9, 2011 but only to learn that the female baby died two hours later as a result of complications, however, when a Pathologist arrived in the Territory on October 12, 2011 to conduct a post mortem, the body of the infant could not be found at the morgue. After several days of searching, the couple was informed on Sunday, October 16 by hospital officials that the baby might have been cremated by accident. It is alleged that when the parents asked for the ashes they were informed that the hospital did not have it because it may have been thrown away. Bishop Cline was very outspoken about the incident.

“It is a blunder of huge proportions but why I am saying that there is conflict of interest here is that the candidate advocated on behalf of the parents, which I thought was laudable and to be commended. The conflict comes in now Madam Speaker, if you advocate on behalf of the parents and you are now going to be the Chairman of this institution that if considered liable for whatever took place at the hospital, how do you reconcile this Madam Speaker? Are you now dropping your advocacy for the parents of the child that went missing in favour of the hospital or are you going to decline this nomination?”

Even before Bishop Cline was appointed by Cabinet, a source had informed this news agency that Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, had registered his objections to the recommendation. Under the BVI Health Services Act, the Leader of the Opposition must be consulted on the appointment of the Chairman of the Board, but does not have a veto on government’s decision as to the appointment.

Bishop John I. Cline, who pastors the New Life Baptist Church in Duff Bottom on Tortola, was a loud critic of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of former Premier Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, and also levied most of his harshest political rhetoric against former Communications and Works Minister Honourable Julian Fraser RA.

He campaigned vigorously for many of the NDP candidates including Claude Skelton-Cline who ran against political stalwart Honourable J. Alvin Christopher for the second district seat and Kevin Smith who was defeated by 3rd district representative Honourable Julian Fraser RA.

Cline also appeared on many talk shows, both on radio and TV, lashing out at the VIP Government policies including the Biwater project that was signed by the O’Neal Administration to remedy the water and sewerage woes on Tortola. He is also one of the religious leaders asked from time to time to give the opening prayer for the starting of the Virgin Islands (VI) Parliament sittings.

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) through its Board is responsible for developing and marketing the local health services while at the same time encouraging involvement with the community that will serve the best interests of both the Authority and the VI community. The Authority is also responsible for all the public health facilities in the VI.

The BVI Health Services Authority was established under the BVI Health Services Authority Act, 2004. Its functions include the recruitment, appointment, training, promotion and disciplining, along with the power to suspend and terminate employment of staff members.

41 Responses to “Hon. Fraser raises concerns over Bishop Cline’s appointment ”

  • critic (15/02/2012, 08:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i wont call him a crook but he seems two sided...when vip was in he was backing the parents who lost the kid and now ndp in, he's backing the the government
    • billy b (15/02/2012, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Critic you always talking crap!!!!!! Who won't be on the side of the parents?? Will you like anyone to bun-up your deceased child without your concent?? Or even without letting you see the child and say your last good-byes???? Who on God's green earth wont be on the parents side???? So what's your point????
      • fish (15/02/2012, 16:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        billy b me goin put your self on liat if you would nto hush and scatter your self!!!!
        • billy b (15/02/2012, 19:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @Fish, Critic, VIP Loyalist (all the same person) book the liat flight to St. Lucia (never been there, would love to go)
  • yanan (15/02/2012, 09:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GOD has so many reason why He allowed this things happened and i believed that this things is not a coincident that you( Bishop Cline) was chosen to stand to advocate for the side of parents, and now that the good opportunity comes into your way for you to see whats going on inside the BVIHSA, i hope that you will serve as a light that will guide for everybody to have a GOOD HEALTH SERVICE and RESPECT that everyone is entitled even if your from here or expats... May the good Lord use and bless your hands to help & reach for all the people... Good Luck!...
  • BREAKING NEWS (15/02/2012, 09:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who should we put in this postition "critic" ? A VIP supporter ?
    • you wish (15/02/2012, 10:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you all love "critic' mehson...but dem say VIP aint payin she...unlike NDP dem pay real talk and all others!!! BAM
  • billy b (15/02/2012, 09:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wa Fraser don't shut up?????? He should be the last one to talk about conflict of interest
    • billy b (15/02/2012, 09:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hon. Julian Fraser RA, need to go sit down, what does RA stand for????
    • qc (15/02/2012, 12:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you shut the hell up...you all cannot touch fraser
    • RA Means (15/02/2012, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Real A$$!
      • My My My (15/02/2012, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Jealousy will get you no where. What do you have after your name. Im sure what ever RA Stands for, Mr. Fraser earned it.
    • goat water (15/02/2012, 17:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      back up off the Liberator. Mr. Fraser is the best hope for the BVI...me have the balls to say the only hope.....as for Cline that is another story!!!
  • she the cat mother (15/02/2012, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government has the majority to pass it anyway!
  • saying (15/02/2012, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He need to focus on his congregation and lead them and himself to Christ he is not doing enough for himself spiritually.
    • DarkVader (15/02/2012, 12:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You need to worry about your soul and not that of others. Some of you all need to just stop bloging things that dont make sense. Bishop Cline is the best choice for the job. I often why the opposition argue such trivial arguments. The ruling party out powers then in votes..things like the appontment of Bishop and the Customs bill I would not have wasted my time arguing. They need to save their arguments for other things to come after them in the near future..stay tune
  • DADDY FRIDAY (15/02/2012, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw thats all me got to say...more in the morta!!!
  • billy b (15/02/2012, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO, I notice Critic could come on here and talk a bunch au shit and you posting them. When I post anything lately ayo got it in moderation for hours. What the devil I do ayo????? If ayo don't want me post on ayo board, tell me so
  • Observer (15/02/2012, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some of us need to wake up and face reality. The fact that Bishop Kline was an advocate for the parents of the child that mysteriously disappeared from the morgue has nothing to do with conflict of interest. As a pastor he is supposed to show compassion and being an advocate in a situation such as this is a part of his pastoral role. Julian Fraser is becoming more ridiculous by the minute with his gratuitous comments. Where was his voice when the incident occurred? No one from the VIP had even a passing comment, not even the then Minister of Health, Dancia Penn. They all passed the buck and left it up to the Public Relations person to handle. Fraser needs to learn that sometimes it’s better to sit quietly than to stand up and prate about nothingness. He needs to understand that he ought not to allow his Napoleonic complex to get the better of him. He is an intelligent and should act as such. Being Chairman of the BVIHSA and looking out for the interest of the community are not mutually exclusive. In fact, that is precisely what should happen considering the role of the BVIHSA. With his “conflict of interest” comment, Fraser would like us to think that it is BVIHSA, a government entity versus the people. Not so at all. The possibility of a lawsuit does not put the new Chairman in a compromising position either. The Chairman is not there to serve in the interest of the government. Rather it is to ensure that the government properly represents the people’s interest through the delivery of quality health care at an affordable cost. Anyone listening or watching the HOA yesterday would have seen the duplicitous character of the men in the opposition. After having squandered their opportunity to properly govern they are now raising their voices in opposition to almost everything just for the sake of opposing. Perhaps they like to see the feedback from a handful of their diehards who implore them to be rabble-rousers. Unfortunately, at this point in time this is not what the majority of the people need. We need men and women who will act decisively, responsibly, prudently, unselfishly in serving all the people and not just some. Seems to me that this is why we voted for the change we got. We the people are very appreciative of the efforts the new administration has put forth thus far in their quest to reverse the negative economic trend our territory was becoming used to. To those who have much little adds more and to those who have nothing little means everything. We can sit and debate the pros and cons of the recent measures to bring relief to our people for as long as we want but while we do we must remember that ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS. The Premier and his colleagues are demonstrating just that. Thanks to the Minister of Communications and Works, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education in leading the charge to debunk the foolishness offered by the opposition in the HOA yesterday and for reminding us of the reasons why change was inevitable and why we needed a team of people to restore our confidence in a government that cares. Just goes to show that no amount of vitriol can derail this train whose destination is the betterment of the people of the BVI.
    • egg face (15/02/2012, 12:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ''Observer'' i heard that you are now on the NDP paid blogg roll..so I will dismiss this foolisness that you here writing...pople sick of NDP already for sure!!!!
    • Ha..Ha (15/02/2012, 13:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hey "observer" your commentary was self serving, and your berating of Fraser's job in the House yesterday will get you no where. Fraser is doing exactly what he is suppose to do where he is, if the other members of the Opposition are too coward to expose the Government, so be it. If one man in the Opposition will let the people know what is happening it is Fraser, so live with it. As to the issue of conflict of interest, is Cline going to use his position as Chairman of the BVIHSA to give the Phillipino parents a favorable settlement for the child that was cremated (sent to the incinerator) in error? Or is he going to abandon the family in favor of the BVIHSA? You don't need to have a High School Diploma to see the Conflict of interest. As far as the Opposition speaking out on Government actions, you should get use to it, because you havent seen the end of it yet.
      • Movements (15/02/2012, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are you a jacka$$? Why would the BVIHSA abandon the family especially since it's obvious they were wrong? Whether Cline is Chairman or Eggy is Chairman, they will have to settle with the family for the screw up. That's life! Stop trying to justify bull$hit by going around the world and back. The HSA is responsible for the Hospital. The Hospital screwed up therefore HSA has to take responsibility and offer a suitable settlement. What damn conflict? Sschups!!!
        • Bowel Movement (15/02/2012, 20:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Movement, you are looking for an argument, but i'm not. The facts are that John Cline advocated for the parents of a missing child at the hospital, which was good. The same John Cline claim that the Hospital was neglegent and therefore responsible. Now that same John Cline turns up Chairman (top man Incharge) of the hospital. What do you call this? Which master will he be serving? In order to execute the duties of Chairman he mudt abandon his defence of the parents of the missing child, making him a sell out. If he decides to be sympathetic to the cause of the missing child, while acting as Chairman he will appear to be derilic in his duties as Chairman, which is even worst than abandonment of the missing childs parents. So take your pick Mr. greedy want to be in everything. I say Mr. Fraser was right on the mark. CONFLICT OF INTREST spelt any other way is still conflict of interest. You NDP just makes me sick.
          • thruth (16/02/2012, 10:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            The real issue here is righteousness is righteousness! wrong is wrong! and right is right!, even when you are the head of a department or even the head of government you have to stand for truth! when things are wrong it have to be recognise, reported and apologise Psalm 15. I think when a man or a woman dwells in righteousness thats the person to lead, for a leader lead by example knowing that every decision has to be aprove by God not necessary by man. The truth cannot be compromised. So what Hon. Frazer is saying that he will never except the hospital was wrong being so negligent with the people that he himself did swear to represent.
          • Movements (16/02/2012, 11:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Bowel Movement, you have the right name because you are talking S$$T!!! If Mr. Cline was being appointed as Chairman while the investigation into the baby saga was going on you would have a point. HOWEVER, the Hospital and all involved have already admitted to the error. GET IT? There is no decision for Cline to make as Chairman. They have already admitted to the error and parties are in the process of reaching a settlement. Where is the conflict? The situation has been dealt with before his appointment. Whatever the decision is it would've already been made. I'm not looking an argument, I deal with common sense!!! It has nothing to do with VIp or NDP that's hyour problem. Your hatred for the party got you here chatting nonsense!! If the Hospital already admitted they're wrong and the parents have met with the authorities to settle, how the hell Cline have a conflict? DO YOU UNDERSTAND OR DO I HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT FURTHER!! Sheesh!!!!
          • Laxitive (18/02/2012, 21:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            "Movement" you are dumb. Could you imagin you are arguing that the Hospital has already admitted neglegence and they are just deciding on the settlement, but CLINE'S appointment has nothing to do with the size of the settlement. How dumb could you be? Idiot, the Board has to agree on any settlement reached. Ask your mom, even she knows this.
      • Observer (15/02/2012, 22:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Of course someone like you would find my comments self-serving since you clearly did not fully understand what was written. I did not need to berate Fraser; he needed no help in that regard. And if you listened to him attentively you would have appreciated the true meaning of self-serving. The point of my blog was not to seek agreement but to observe what occurred in the House of Assembly and offer my take on it. Sure, others might disagree and that’s great because differences of opinions on the same subject make for good discussion. I read blogs that I totally disagree with but appreciate the points of views put forth and the way the discussions develop. It’s not personal but when we offer comments we must offer something substantive enough for others to think about not merely agree. I submit to you (and I mentioned it in my previous post) that Fraser is a better man than that and can and should offer more. He is a very intelligent man but he allows his arrogance to get the better of him. Don’t forget he emphatically stated that he worked hard to secure the loan from the CDB and should be the one to spend it. How’s that for self-serving. Isn’t it the people who decide who spends on their behalf? At any rate; I think the problem is he is pandering to a select few who serve as cheerleaders and can’t discern right from wrong. In case you missed it my friend, the thrust of my comment was the hypocrisy the opposition put on display. Please allow me to reiterate, when they were in power they cared nothing about the issues that are now raised to benefit the people (no matter how small). They are bankrupt of ideas! They are speaking like people who were never in power as if to make us forget they were the ones at the helm just four months ago. Isn’t that self-serving? The popular Jamaican artist Lovindeer in one of his songs said, “Light a Candle, Sing a Sanky and find your way back home. These words of advice I offer to the opposition. During Tuesday’s HOA meeting they sang from the same Sanky but they couldn’t find their way back home. They say that home is where the heart is and they need to find their way back into the hearts of the people before finding their way back home. The same was true of the NDP in 2007 and they managed to find their way. Let us hope these four men can regroup, unite under able leadership (no more power struggle) and come with fresh ideas for the people. Don’t forget, it was the same Julian Fraser who said that the reason the VIP did so poorly during their last term is because the NDP was not a good opposition and did not hold them accountable. He blamed them (NDP) for messing up during their term in office and still had the temerity to blame them for not being a good enough opposition even when they were trying to get them to operate in the sunshine and be transparent.
    • Responsive (15/02/2012, 13:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Observer, while I don't agree with your post, you do have a logical argument. I think you need to coach the honourable minister for health because his rebuttal was like from the mind of a elementary school child, if at all that much. Frazer sure made him look small. He may be a good man but he is absolutely not ready for debates in the HOA. My goodness.
      • hope for us (15/02/2012, 17:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        all deed fools on here morning, noon and night bout frazer tis & Frazer that..none of dem have made even half the contrbutions this noble man has made to the BVI. So all the hate in the world not going help you all. Julain Frazer is what the BVI needs. When you compare Frazer to funny man Myron or can't finish ah project Mark its night and day. So keep hating on he...we from the 3rd love the man..he has the key to the district and no number of nasty hateful lies and blogs will remove that...now go read that while you drive or sail on the rich man boat!!!!!! uh
    • billy b (15/02/2012, 15:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Observer, I think that Fraser watching too much FOX NEWS. He is a die hard REPUBLICAN, no matter what Obama do, the Republicans still have his head to chop off. Everything that was ok in the time of President Bush is now all of a sudden unacceptable, just because they want Obama to fail. But no matter what they do, Obama will have a second term and they will succeed at whatever they do so will the NDP.
      • love hate (15/02/2012, 23:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Fraser they just love you...but we know why....it will happen four years soon come!
  • Movements (15/02/2012, 13:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The conflict with his wife being Accountant General and him being a sitting Minister with a portfolio was one of the biggest conflicts ever, but nobody cared about that. Now he's worried about the Pastor showing support for a family in grief, something that all Pastors do. LOL! Talk about a stretch!
    • for the record (15/02/2012, 17:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      TO: MOVEMENTS. For Jehovah sake this post tis big time rubbish. His wife was there before Frazer run for politics so get ayo facts right. At least under the VIP tis never ever had a situation where one waz Premier and he wife was reporting to he before it waz changed. Now we have it again the school children ah say, one with ah big consultancy to advise she husband and dem got that one under lock and key. Mr. Frazer trust we when we the people tell you, do not even pay any attention to deeds haters and silly comments…they are meaning less..... they just jealous of u and fair you as your destiny is clear, the next Premier and dats what dem sticking haters cannot take. Dem too dam bad minded…. But just tell dem you are indigenous and ah lot of dem cannot say that. BAM
    • Sick Sick (15/02/2012, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Movement" why dont you NDP's stop reaching? Ministers dont deal with money, Accounting Officers Do. So stop trying to justify your ignorance to what Fraser is pointing out with Cline's CONFLICT OF INTEREST here in this matter by muddling it up with your foolishness, and non sensical analogies.
      • Movements (16/02/2012, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        LOL! I hit a nerve. "Cheques in hand bag" new tune, coming soon!
    • vex wid ayo (15/02/2012, 23:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      keep Mrs. Fraser name out of you all cool aid bossman
      • co-wroker (16/02/2012, 18:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        i second the motion " vex wid ayo" as she is a women of class and very professional! no one can agrue with that!


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