Dr. Ronald E. Georges has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the BVI Health Services Authority. 

Dr. Georges replaces Mrs. Paula Chester-Cumberbatch, who served for two years as CEO of the authority.  He is expected to join the authority on November 15.

The Chief Executive Officer’s duties include planning and directing all aspects of the Authority’s policies, objectives, and initiatives and have direct responsibility for its day-to-day operations. The holder of this position is accountable for managing, organising and directing the Authority to ensure that quality patient care is provided and effective financial management is executed at all times. The CEO is also responsible for ensuring that the Authority complies with all relevant laws, rules and regulations as well as development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Dr. Georges has over 21 years of experience in health and education.  Prior to joining the Authority, he served as the Medical Officer of Health in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.  This appointment is his second stint with the Authority as he previously held the positions of Director of Primary Health Care and the Acting Chief Executive Officer from August 2008 to May 2012.  During this time, he was instrumental in developing and implementing the first strategic plan for Community Health Services and for the wider Authority.

Dr. Georges pledged to work diligently with the Board of Directors, management, and staff to ensure that the organisation meets its objectives of providing appropriate and excellent health services to the people who live in the Virgin Islands.

Dr. Georges stated that he recognises that it is important to work with, listen to, and include all internal and external stakeholders as the organisation develops, grows, and transforms with the ultimate goal of improving health and wellness while at the same time limiting the negative impacts of illness in the Territory. 

He said, “I also recognise the peculiar situation of the context of recovery and development post major disaster and the myriad challenges these pose to the organisation.  These points will certainly remain in view while we all work together to refine, strengthen, and implement the organisation's strategy to ensure that it creates value for stakeholders and clients alike."

Chairman of the Authority’s Board, Mrs. Ayana Liburd said the board undertook a rigorous recruitment process which included interviews of several local and overseas prospective candidates. 

Mrs. Liburd added, “We are delighted that Dr. Georges was the successful candidate.  As we continue to focus on the execution of our strategic objectives in particular the strengthening of the delivery of primary care services, our road to accreditation and medical tourism, we look to Dr. Georges’ experience and expertise in healthcare and administration to lead the organisation towards successful achievement of these goals.”

Mrs. Liburd also thanked the current CEO Mrs. Paula Chester-Cumberbatch for her dedication to the authority while serving in the role and wish her much success in her future endeavors.

Dr. Georges will report directly to the Board of Directors, and is supported by the Executive Management Team. His appointment is a critical component of the strategic development plans for the Authority towards it becoming the preferred provider of health care in the Virgin Islands and the region.  

Dr. Georges graduated in 1996 from the University of the West Indies, Mt. Hope Medical School in Trinidad with a MBBS where his focus was on Medicine and Surgery. He also holds an MSc Public Health in Developing Countries, focusing on Epidemiology and Disease Control and an MSc in Health Services Management from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (University of London). He is currently working on a doctorate in Public Health Leadership at the University of the West Indies, Department of Psychiatry and Community Health, Mona Campus.