'Here we go again, with an outsider'- Skelton-Cline on BVIHSA CEO hiring
“I do understand that the board of the BVIHSA has sent a name forward…some Dr William Dexter James, as a recommendation for CEO of the Health Services Authority,” Skelton-Cline said during his show on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
“Here we go again, with an outsider when we have qualified insiders.”
He called on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) to ask the government why people like Dr Samuel, whom he called “one of ours”, has not been approved for the position even after acting for four years.
“She has performed, she has acted for four years, you have required her to do things and then won’t fund some of the things you asked her to do and then decide, determine, she ain’t doing the job.”
Double standards?
Skelton-Cline said when it came to the issue of former Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool being replaced by the current Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger, Virgin Islanders marched for her over some of the same issues.
“We rightfully called attention to the Governor’s actions, but today, I’m calling attention to our own actions, something that we have control over, and what are we doing again?”
He was quick to clarify that the issue is not about expats versus locals, and hoped the regional and expat communities would understand.
Skelton-Cline, questioned why Dr Samuel’s recommendation, after being sent to the Cabinet, was rejected.
“This gentleman, I’m sure, he’s qualified, although I did notice he often did not complete his tenure from Dominica to Barbados to Saint Lucia; he hails from Trinidad.”
He also questioned this trend of hiring non-Virgin Islanders, saying, “The guy over Trade, he’s from Trinidad; the good gentleman over the airport, he’s from Saint Lucia; now here we go again, some of our major statutory bodies and departments, nothing wrong with that except for we have qualified locals.”
Dr Samuel resigning?
Skelton-Cline asked who would be blamed in this situation.
“You can’t blame the Governor this time, you can’t blame the UK this time. Us, we’re the ones responsible.”
He pressed on, calling on the government to reject the recommendation of Dr James when it comes before them.
“Your behaviour has forced and is forcing the resignation of Dr Samuel,” he accused, adding that she needs to be called back.
“Give her the opportunity to do what she’s been doing over the last four years and provide her the resources with the proper board members in place to do what needs to be done for BVIHSA, because the health service in this country needs fixing, needs addressing.”
_04.gif)
_03.gif)
Follow Us On
38 Responses to “'Here we go again, with an outsider'- Skelton-Cline on BVIHSA CEO hiring”
Period!! As much as I didn't like Dr.Ron-G he would've make a better CEO that June and that i***t Darlene who is over in the USVI making a biffer muck that what she made when she was over here. Ethel Spann and Winnifred Crabb were the best Directors the BVIHSA ever had. Pat and June gots to go.
Hell no .......we will not going back to your place to have lunch anymore man.
Government hire who they want. Case close. B***h now.
As a concerned local, it is heartbreaking to see the current state of our hospital. The situation at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has become increasingly challenging. Instead of moving forward, it feels as though we are falling behind.
Before making statements or offering reassurances, leadership should first seek the truth and fully understand what is happening within the institution. As the saying goes, seek and you shall find.
What these department heads have been doing is blaming the government for their failure and dirty deeds. They blame government for holding up progress to cover up their failure. This need to get attention all them department heads sitting in roles for years sometimes decades need to be evaluated. When you put them to act some of them vindictive. Shame on them to get Claude involve. You can tell the confusion the hospital dealing with. Kindly take up your things and leave quietly.