‘Cabinet doesn’t play a role’ in selecting BVIHSA CEO- Premier Wheatley
During a press conference on March 6, 2026, the Premier was asked about the refusal to accept the Acting CEO of the BVIHSA, Dr June M. Samuel, for the position full-time following her recommendation.
According to reports, the BVIHSA board recommended Dr Samuel for the job a few years ago, but she was not accepted. Dr Samuel has been Acting CEO of the BVIHSA for about four years.
Reports also indicate that Trinidadian Dr William Dexter James has been recommended recently for the position by the BVIHSA board.
Minister & BVIHSA board has to agree
“The Cabinet doesn’t play a role in the selection of a CEO for the Health Services Authority, based on legislation. The minister has to agree with whoever the board puts forward,” Premier Wheatley said, adding, “So there has to be a good working relationship and the minister to decide on someone who will lead the Health Services Authority.”
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) is the current Minister for Health and Social Development. The Premier was asked whether Hon Wheatley brought up the situation of Dr Samuel’s recommendation to Cabinet, and he replied that there was a Cabinet paper on the matter.
“But we have found that based on the legislation, it is not a matter for Cabinet, it’s a matter for the minister and the board,” he reiterated.
I appreciate Dr Samuel’s service
“I certainly appreciate the service that Dr June Samuel has provided to the Health Services Authority, and I think we all should express our appreciation,” the Premier noted.
Premier Wheatley said the BVIHSA board and the minister have to go through the “particular process” as it pertains to who leads the BVIHSA moving forward.
Pressed further on the matter and whether he was blaming the minister when it comes to the non-selection of Dr Samuel, Premier Wheatley said it is not about blame but rather just what the situation is.
Premier Wheatley also refrained from revealing whether or not he supports Dr Samuel for the position and said he is in full support of the board and the minister for being able to choose the right person to lead the BVIHSA.
“I think we all have to work together to ensure that we have excellent health services in the territory.”
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7 Responses to “‘Cabinet doesn’t play a role’ in selecting BVIHSA CEO- Premier Wheatley ”
This raises two possibilities. First, the Premier may prefer that the Minister make difficult decisions so that, if they become unpopular, he can distance himself from them. Second, he may view the Minister as politically expendable and be allowing the situation to unfold in a way that justifies replacing him with someone of his own choosing.
It is also worth remembering that the current Cabinet includes nearly as many members who were not VIP as those who are. The Premier himself only joined the VIP in 2019. As a result, he may not see himself as deeply tied to the party’s legacy; the VIP may have simply been a vehicle to achieve a political objective rather than an institution to which he feels strong loyalty.
We saw something similar with Hon. L. Smith, although that situation was quickly reversed. The difference here may be that the Premier does not believe Hon. V. Wheatley has the same political leverage. However, situations like this do not always unfold as expected, and outcomes can sometimes turn out very differently from what was initially planned.