‘NOT ME!’

Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Dr Jerome Walcott says there is nothing to hide about the appointment of a British national to the post of chief executive officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), as he denied having any hand in the selection process.

Responding to harsh criticism of the appointment from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, the senior minister said there were no secrets about the process, as the administration had indicated from early that there would be a global search to fill the position.

Dr Walcott, whom Thorne described as the “second most powerful person” in Barbados, insisted that he had “not interfered in the process” that led to the hiring of a new hospital boss.

He said the selection process was managed by a panel that included the general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW).

The health minister disclosed that a total of 84 applications were received for the top job with 43 of them coming from residents of Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, Acting Chairman of the QEH Board of Directors Nigel Whitehall outlined in detail how the selection of the British national – whose name has not been disclosed – was made.

In 2019, the CEO post was abolished and the position of executive chairman was created. That was held by Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, the former executive chairman until June 2023. Her departure led to a return of the separation of the roles of chairman and CEO.

Whitehall, an attorney and former lawman, explained that a subcommittee of the QEH board of directors was established to review all the applications for the CEO post. Included in that committee were NUPW general secretary Richard Green and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, who was the chair.

Whitelaw explained to the Lower House that following the initial screening by the sub-committee, 12 applicants who met the qualifying standard were selected.

According to Whitehall, a management consultant was engaged at that point, and a survey was conducted of the hospital’s management to identify the characteristics and qualities they would want to see in their new CEO.

He explained that psychometric testing was done on the 12 selectees and the process whittled down to six for interviews.

Whitehall said one of those declined to be interviewed, and from the interview process, the top two candidates were identified and the select committee recommended the person who was chosen for the job.

On Monday, Minister Walcott told the Senate, during debate on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Amendment) Bill, 2024, that only two Barbadians had applied for the job and neither of them was suitably qualified. 

(IMC1)