Cabinet has moved to reconstitute the board of the nation's primary hospital, approving a series of appointments to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre's governing body as part of a broader programme of institutional renewal following the April 30 general election.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr Philmore Benjamin as Executive Chairman and Dr Edward Mansoor as Deputy Chairman of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, as part of a series of appointments to statutory and advisory bodies under the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the appointments during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Friday, stating that the selections form part of the government's programme of institutional strengthening following the April 30 general election. Merchant confirmed that the board appointments were presented to Cabinet by Health Minister the Honourable Michael Joseph and subsequently approved.
Full Board Composition
In addition to Dr Benjamin and Dr Mansoor, the board will include Martin Camacho as Secretary, along with members Dr Karen Josiah, Randy Agrippa, Kasmin Green, Akeem Edwards, and Kiva Dean. Kevin Silston of the Medical Benefits Scheme will serve as an ex officio member, while Chief Medical Officer Dr Kamara De Castro will also sit on the board in an ex officio capacity.
Additional Health Sector Appointments
Cabinet also approved appointments to other statutory bodies under the ministry. Nurse Margaret Smith was appointed Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Nursing Council, which is responsible for maintaining professional standards within the nursing profession and ensuring the delivery of quality nursing care throughout the country.
The National Solid Waste Management Authority board was also approved, with Dan Lee Phillip named as Chairman.
The appointment of Dr Benjamin to the SLBMC board is notable given his concurrent role as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives — a dual responsibility that has already drawn comment in some quarters. The government has not yet addressed questions about whether the positions will be remunerated separately.
The reconstitution of the SLBMC board comes at a critical juncture for the nation's healthcare system, with the hospital facing growing pressure from rising chronic disease caseloads, a strained budget, and ambitious plans for decentralisation outlined by Health Minister Joseph in recent weeks.
