Malone-Smith & Lettsome were not investigated– BVIHSA Chairman
Mrs Malone-Smith and Mr Lettsome were both sent home on non-disciplinary leave in December 2021 following allegations of “fraud and gross misconduct” at BVISHA.
However, while Mrs Cedorene Patricia Malone-Smith is back at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) in some capacity, the Human Resources Manager Mr Levor A. H. Lettsome did not return to the job.
BVIHSA Chairman Mr Smith speaking to the press during a November 24, 2022, press conference, said the two were never sent on leave for an investigation at the directive of former Premier Andrew A. Fahie following questions from the press, but instead as part of a comprehensive review.
“As a matter of factual representation, just to ensure that the record is reflected accurately. The Board received no directive from the Premier…. the board is an independent statutory body that does not receive direction from any particular entity, in accordance with the BIHSA Act 2004.”
BVIHSA Chairman Mr Smith speaking to the
press during a November 24, 2022, press conference however said the two
were never sent on leave for an investigation at the directive of former
Premier Andrew A. Fahie following questions from the press, but instead
as part of a comprehensive review.
No investigations were carried out - BHIHSA Chairman
“There is no release and have been no release. There is no information that the Board has put out in the press indicating that we are doing any investigation. The board had embarked on a comprehensive review of which at that time, the areas under review required two staff persons in those areas to be on non-disciplinary leave to ensure the integrity of those reviews,” he added.
Mr Smith said the audit has been completed and the board through the Ministry has engaged persons, as part of a phased comprehensive assessment of some 700 employees across multiple divisions.
“So in order to accommodate the first phase, the board through the ministry engaged the services of the government department of internal audit. That internal audit has been completed earlier a few months ago, and it is currently under review internally by the Board,” Smith added.
Mr Smith could not say why after the review, Malone-Smith returned to the job and not Lettsome. He further declined to delve into what he termed ‘employment history’ and a legal caution to not publicly disclose any information on employment out of fear that it could open up the BVIHSA to litigation.
