Cabinet to appoint new RHA Boards

Health Minister John Rahael yesterday said Cabinet will decide on the new Board of Directors for North West and South West Regional Health Authorities, whose present tenure expires on tomorrow after serving for two years. The existing NWRHA Board is chaired by Dr Patrick Watson, and the SWRHA is chaired by Imtiaz Ahamad. Prior to April 2002, the NWRHA had been without a Board for almost one year.

Rahael could not say if the current members would be reappointed and said he is unaware that any of its members indicated that they did not want to serve again. Newsday has learnt that Watson does not want to be considered for the post citing “personal and professional” reasons. Rahael said the appointment of the NWRHA Board is before the Board Committee of Cabinet and a decision may be made “within a week or so.” Apart from the RHAs, he said other Boards were due for new appointments.

The SWRHA chairman said if asked to serve again he will give the appointment “serious consideration.” While there were “challenges” and “difficult times,” Ahamad said the experience was rewarding. He said it was eye-opening to the needs of people. He said the Board comprised a group of people who did not know each other but they came together with a willingness to work, got to know the system and people and tried to make the best decisions. “When we look back, we did well.”