The Ministry of Health and Social Development has appointed physician and surgeon Dr. John W. Smith, MD to serve as a member on the Board of the BVI Health Services Authority. Photo: Facebook

The BVI Health Services Authority is the government body that manages public health care delivery in the British Virgin Islands, established by the BVI Health Services Act in 2005. Photo:Internet source

The Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), stated in a press release that, “Dr Smith’s extensive clinical expertise and leadership experience will greatly support our mission to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Virgin Islands. We are pleased to have him join the BVIHSA Board and look forward to the value he will bring to the Authority and the wider health sector.”

Two decades of advanced clinical & healthcare leadership experience 

According to the release, Dr Smith brings more than two decades of advanced clinical and healthcare leadership experience to the Territory’s health system with a diverse medical and surgical experience, along with strong leadership in healthcare systems, education and consulting.

Dr Smith trained at leading institutions including New York Medical College, St Vincent’s Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, the Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. His career spans general medicine, critical care, trauma, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and advanced plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

He has held senior clinical roles, served on hospital committees and contributed to medical education as a Clinical Instructor at New York Medical College and Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the New York Institute of Technology.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Smith has two decades of advanced clinical and healthcare leadership experience with Omnicom Health Group, PSL Group and Publicis Health Groupe, supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organisations. He also works as a medical-legal consultant and serves on several community boards in New York.

Appointment of four healthcare professionals to serve as Members of the Nurses and Midwives Council

Meantime, the Ministry of Health and Social Development also appointed four experienced healthcare professionals to serve as Members of the Nurses and Midwives Council for the period September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028.

The appointees are Mrs Rosa Ravariere-Seaman, Mrs Beth Hanley-Scatliffe, Mrs Hardia S. Lawrence, and Mrs Libby A. M. Hagley.

According to the release, these four women bring decades of dedicated service and leadership in the Virgin Islands healthcare system, offering deep insight and extensive professional experience in nursing, midwifery and health administration. Their collective expertise will further strengthen the Council’s work in maintaining high standards of practice and safeguarding the quality of care provided across the Territory.

Following the nurses' appointment, the Minister stated, “Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our healthcare system, and strong professional governance is essential to ensuring the highest standards of care for our people. These four accomplished women bring invaluable experience and commitment to the Council. I am confident that their service will significantly support the continued strengthening of the nursing and midwifery professions in the Virgin Islands.”