Hospital chair defends management team
HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood and Board Chair Jonathan Tibbetts
(CNS): Health Services Authority Board Chair Jonathan Tibbetts has issued a statement defending the hospital management team after the qualifications and competence of some of the most senior staff were brought into question by the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday. Following the report on CNS outlining the concerns raised by opposition MLA Chris Saunders (BTW), Tibbetts said the issue could “create public anxieties, distrust and questions” over the hospital leadership, as he defended both the CEO and the CFO and claimed that the hospital was dedicated to recruiting Caymanians.
In a three page statement Tibbetts said the HSA had faced serious leadership challenges before the appointment of the current senior leadership team of the HSA.
“There was a revolving door within the management team at the organisation, with as many as six CEOs in six years, and an equal turnover in chief financial officers, HR directors and medical directors,” Tibbetts said. He credited the existing management team and board with reversing a previous opinion of the auditor general that things were so dire that if the HSA had been a business, it would have had to file for bankruptcy.
But as noted by the PAC chair last Tuesday, although the hospital finances are improving from the terrible circumstances it was in just a few years ago, more than half of the most recent financial report had to be revised by the auditor general. PAC members were concerned that Chief Financial Officer Heather Boothe, who has been leading the finance function at the hospital since 2005, has not been able to deal with the challenges in twelve years because they said she is not qualified for the job.
However, in his statement Tibbetts defended Boothe and in order to set the record straight has made her qualifications public, which include a second class degree in economics and management from the University of the West Indies and a certification in accounting.
“Contrary to statements made in the public domain, the chief financial officer possesses the requisite skills, qualifications and experience for the position including certification by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants, and is also a Certified Chartered Accountant,” Tibbetts stated.
He said that she was first employed by the HSA as finance officer in a temporary capacity.
“In subsequent years when the vacancy for chief financial officer arose, she was hired after an exhaustive recruitment process, including credential review and evaluation and a formal interview process which included a panel of internal and external personnel with knowledge of finance and the requirements for the job,” he said.
Tibbetts also gave his backing to HSA CEO Lizette Yearwood, who he said had taken on the role in 2009 after a period of significant turmoil within the HSA.
“During her tenure there has been a welcomed rebirth and fundamental transformation in the trust, confidence and working relationship between the board and the executive leadership of the HSA, as well as with our business partners and the public. Her tenure has marked the most stable period for the authority at any time since its inception in 2002,” the chairman added.
He said Yearwood was instrumental in guiding the hospital through changing and challenging times and getting it to its improved position.
“The CEO has the full support of the Board of Directors and has shown competence and excellence in all areas of her responsibilities. Her dedication and leadership is exemplary and she should be commended for spearheading the entire team at the HSA in the turnaround of the organisation with the full support of the board,” he said.
He noted that her appointment had been part of a deliberate strategy of succession planning to succeed an expatriate with a Caymanian, and that during her time on the job she had acquired a Masters in Health Administration.
Yearwood and Boothe were also both in place during the CarePay fiasco, which led to former HSA board chair Canover Watson being charged with and convicted of corruption and fraud. Questions arose about the competence of the management team after it became clear during his trial that senior staff at the hospital and the health ministry had not paid attention to what was going on with the introduction of a payment system that enabled Watson to cream off millions of dollars in the fraud under their noses.
Tibbetts, however, reiterated his position that the “board has full confidence in the management of the authority”, including their decisions on personnel, as he pointed to the fact that for the first time since the inception of the HSA, “the senior leadership now comprise 99% Caymanians or persons with Caymanian status and more than 57% of our staff are now Caymanians, the highest number in the history of the organisation.”
Full statement by HSA Chairman of the Board
See the full PAC proceedings on CIGTV below
Category: Government Finance, Health, Politics
From the so-called Civil Service Association:
**Crickets** (all year long, scandal after scandal).
I use to work for the HSA several years ago after graduating from university. At that time, my department had 11 people and only 2 were Caymanians. I was suppose to be #3 but one of them quit shortly after I joined so we were back to having just 2. My boss (she was from Jamaica), tried everything to get me to quit. To be honest, the only reason I suffered through because I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction. During the ill treatment interim I complained both verbally and in writing to HR, and at one point to the ministry itself. I had several meetings with the director of HR, the CEO, and even the chief officer for the ministry of health. Nothing happened despite the fact she had no additional qualifications beyond what I had, just years of experience and friends in all the right places.
Several years later my boss called me into her office and apologize for her behaviour. She told told me she was scared I would take her job away because I was ambitious and thought I would quit. I told her she was right, in that I wanted her job but I wasn’t going to take it from her. I would have waited until she was ready to retire or return back home. I told her she can’t be scared of Caymanians because unlike her, I can’t buy a plane ticket and go “home”.
My entire ordeal dealing with the HSA and the ministry left a sour taste in my mouth. The system is broken and the checks and balances that should have been there are monitored internally. I do believe most of the staff is trying their best even if they are unqualified, but the fact is…having years of experience doesn’t automatically confer ability to lead, or having degrees that is unacceptable in other jurisdiction makes you qualified also. Why should Cayman accept less? If you allow your leaders to have mediocre standards then what else can you expect?
Sorry to hear about your experience.
I think you will find that the organization is turning into a Pro-Caymanian organization with areas of improvement still being dealt with. Any words of wisdom are always welcomed.
Did the Chariman really issue a Nine Page Statement?? Really. 9 pages!
Them really need PR guidance.
You are intelligent enough to read it all right?
ahh. there goes the spirit. nice attitude there.
Why is this comment in here? If the pr was short, you would criticize. If pr was long, you criticize. If the pr was just right, you are still going to criticize.
You can’t please certain people no matter what.
Time he could have spent doing his job
Looks like his “job” is being done and being done successfully I might add.
Caymanians bashing Caymanians – what a way to live.
It’s a shame others couldn’t be helping in the new initiatives instead of criticizing foolishness like the length of a press release.
Word of advice; be productive in your life, you’ll get more votes that way.
Brac nepotism continues its strangle hold on governments econonmic policies and political decisions. Our inclusive policy towards our sister island has made them exclusive to us here on Grand Cayman and even somewhat indifferent to our wellbeing and future. Their blatant disregard and distain for us is sometimes very clear and downright disrespectful at times.
How is it that a Caymanian is now different because they live in the Brac? Simple thoughts.
12.28, its simple and in a place of 30,000 Caymanians amazing that we have so many pointless labels…In order to assist, there are:
1. Indigenous Caymanians (no such thing but lets not burst their bubble on a Friday afternoon),
2.Brac Caymanians (think they are the elite),
3.Generational Caymanians (slightly lower class than indigenous unless from the Brac),
4. Married to a Caymanian (definitely second class),
5. Jamaican Caymanians (criminals, regardless or not of whether they have actually committed a crime),
6. Paper Caymanians (not real Caymanians),
7. Permanent Residents (absolutely never will be Caymanians and smell like something that a dog left and you trod in),
8. Work Permit Holders (you are the thing the dog left),
9. Jamaican Work Permit Holders (the bacteria that live on the thing that such dog)
Now, please note that in general the lower you are down the list, especially from number 4 downward, the more you do for the economy and Cayman in general than the first 3 put together.
I therefore propose that any Caymanian on here that enters into discourse about what type of Caymanian or non Caymanian you are be officially titled “Idiot” and goes straight to number 10. The labels don’t matter. What you do for Cayman does matter.
LOL
smh … and what number rank you fall with your Caymanian prejudices? #11 ⏬
The low of the lowest!
I have personally heard many people who are from the Brac talk about how they are separate from the rest of the islands (they were not referring to the geographic separation) and the people on the islands, so I am inclined to believe the initial comment
Diogenes
Cayman Brac the next Catalinia
Maybe attitudes like yours is the reason for “Their blatant disregard and distain for us is sometimes very clear and downright disrespectful at times”. Many Brac families moved to Grand Cayman and became very successful. Fosters, Kirkconnells, Scotts Tibbetts, Bodden, Dixon, McCoy and many others. As a Caymanian you should be proud to see other Caymanians being successful. Shame on you.
Mr. Saunders might need to brush up his tact and diplomacy skills, but he is not too far off the mark.
Ms.Boothe wouldn’t have gotten a managerial, less alone executive position in an average USA hospital.
The results of her leadership speak for itself.
Besides as a general rule ACCA and Chartered Accountant designation is not widely recognized in the US and therefore being a member would have minimal value to most accountants in the US.
Masters degree in health administration with years of progressively held positions of expanded responsibility in finance areas such as accounting, budgeting, revenue cycle/patient financial services, managed care contracting and strategic financial planning would have been ideal background for today’s hospital CFO.
She’s not in the US she’s in Cayman, where the ACCA qualification is fully recognized.
@ at 8:26 am
of course, lower standards are norm in the Cayman Islands. Absence of relevant experience is not a problem either. Anyone can be a CFO or CEO!
Your Minister of Education also has zero credentials to hold the position, just saying.
Are you saying America sets the global standards? I think you have some serious research to do.
Cayman IS a major global player, particularly when it comes to healthcare, international football, road construction… wait, what were we talking about again?
Who is the Secretary of Education in the USA again? Blasted idiot! Check the credentials of our Minister of Education against yours.
12 51
Mrs. Devos is the new Secretary of Education. She believes in home schooling and giving vouchers for under privileged kids. She is helping the black and other communities that need help. How is she an idiot?
ACCA a lower qualification than a CPA? You obviously have no idea of the relative standard and time commitment to get ACCA.
Spot on and we all know it.
A CPA would have been way better for the CFO position and atleast a Masters in Accounting!!!
And of course the ACCA examination is actually more difficult than that of the CPA. The accounting industry will tell you that.
I am quite ok with lack of diplomacy — that is what has gotten us where we are — years of systemic failures.
If the previous political arm had been calling out people who were not capable or willing to do their job, we might not have suffered these huge losses the country can ill afford.
I hope this puts dem other apples in the barrel and that top management will wake up and stop playing favoritism and the old boy network. That is bad for business wherever it occurs and whomever is involved.
A masters degree for a CFO is beneficial but that person needs to have a high accounting qualification like the CPA. The ACCA is equivalent to the CPA.
Wrong.
My theory in anything you do is to keep exploring, keep digging deeper to find new stuff. Follow the money theme continues. PAC’s team of “quants” analytical, mathematical minds that breathe in numeric data and see flags waving as they investigate HSA’s empire.
Great job!
Just on the mere fact the HSA and it’s Board of Directors were dupped by The convicted Canover Watson for millions of dollars, there should be a restructure within the HSA and the Board, where is the transparency? Also they are now looking to collect debts owed by citizens that are unable to pay, are the persuing to collect the monies stolen by Watson/Webb? Don’t throw stones in a glass house……start collecting from the criminals first, the money stolen from the people of the Cayman Islands
Don’t blame the current board (who has put an anti fraud policy in place) for the failures and dishonesty of the previous board.
A plan is in place and a turn around is happening.
Can someone FOI the recruitment process for the management?
The board should get a formal assessment of exec performance (and board’s performance management framework) from outside (objective) parties.
I agree that the board should be replaced. The failures are breathtaking. The fact they are now doing very slightly better than the abysmal level of the past doesn’t make current performance acceptable.
No wonder JT is protecting the CFO. He’s equally unqualified for his position.
Get an independent review… please!!
There’s a law with the requirements for the board and sadly even if you don’t have the qualifications, the board members all do (including JT).
Slightly better is a term for a person who has no ambition. The better term would be drastically improved.
Finished sipping your drink while the rest of us work and make the results speak for themselves.
Sounds like another political wanna be. Maybe your work experience shows that you can run a multi-million dollar company and be successful as well? I think not.
Board members do not apply for jobs, they are asked to sit on a board based on their professional experience and track record.
By all accounts, Mr. Watson was perfectly “qualified” and we see how that turned out.
JT has more than enough qualifications, experience, ethics and standards to run any organization. Check Cayman27.com.ky if you think he hasn’t made a vast improvement.
Maybe you and Saunders can run as a team next time since you want to be a politician but can’t even meet those requirements yourself.
Watson was a CPA. What does Saunders know about accounting for hospitals.
Slightly better you say?
5. Improved collections by 55% or $34m for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2017. (In the 12-month period ended August 31, 2016, the Authority realized net collections of $61m compared to $95m for the 12-month period ending August 31, 2017.)
Wish my pension fund could perform as well.
Don’t you wish more people could actually produce these figures instead of play politics? Wanna be.
Hmm at the rain = less water sales?
When a Caymanian is leading the ship we want them removed. I find this interesting as always. Divide and concour.
I concur
lol..spelling nazi
Come on now people anywhere in the world inc
Uding Timbuktu that High level management signed a contract blindly with the end result being fraud committed, Caymanian or any other freaking nationality, they would either have been fired outrighrpt or charged with fraud and complicity. So we people or not wrong is freaking wrong no matter the nationality. Obviously the Chairman cannot afford mass resignations so he must cover the for the iniquities under the guise of small improvements.
Small improvements would be what percentage? Cayman 27 reports a 34% increase in collections. Imagine if you got a 34% in your pay, would that be a “small” improvement?
@at 7:57 am
You are so gullible. From where those 34% have suddenly appeared? Accounts receivable in a hospital where right hand doesn’t know what left is doing and in the absence of controls, create opportunity for fraud and collusion. There is practically not enough time to suddenly increase collection 34% in 3 week, if you know what it takes.
@9:24 according to the news report this happened from 2016-2017. I never said 3 weeks. Pay attention and stop bashing people that are making good changes.
5. Improved collections by 55% or $34m for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2017. (In the 12-month period ended August 31, 2016, the Authority realized net collections of $61m compared to $95m for the 12-month period ending August 31, 2017.)
The word which you are looking for is conquer you dumbass. It does not matter if one is Caymanian or not. If one is part of the problem then one is to be treated as such. Thank you so very much for bolstering the argument of the black hearted segment of the expatriate population. BTW, you may now exit to the left on concourse D.
But the ship is sinking deeper and deeper…
Becoming a Hospital CFO.
Technically, you can become a hospital CFO with just a bachelor’s degree, or even if you are a CPA (certified public accountant). However, most hospitals are now looking for more highly educated professionals.
Required Education.
There are various college majors that can prepare one for a career as hospital CFO. The most common are accounting, finance, and health administration. Some CFO’s are certified public accountants (CPA) who have years and years of experience dealing with the financial aspects of organizations and corporations.
There are various master’s degrees you may want to consider, but the MBA (master of business administration) with a healthcare specialization is particularly popular. Alternatively, you could consider the MHA (master of healthcare administration). However, admission to this program will generally require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
Required Experience.
Experience and demonstrable skills are the most important things that hospitals and other employers look for in a chief financial officer. While getting an advanced degree is often beneficial, successful chief financial officers are often those that possess years and years worth of learning experiences from various managerial and executive positions.
Hospital CFOs are expected to be results-oriented and to be visionaries.
Regretfully it is obvious that Lizette own staff are leaking info to MLA’s who seem to think that it’s their job to get Caymanians civil servants and public servants fired. That kind of behaviour is a gross breach of our constitution.
There job is to expose any wrong doing or mismangment. Then leave it to the bosses and board chairs to deal with it. Not hold some mock trail like we have been seeing in PAC.
For those who think their behavior is right. Just wait till they come for you. Could they behavior be linked to politricks?
How you do anything, is how you’ll do everything…
As the usual Paper/Born and Bred arguments raise their ugly head, how about if we ask Dart for some funding, to get samples from everyone who claims to be B&B and send it to Ancestry.com or 23andme.com. We can then see how many even come up with a conservative 70% “Caymanian” result?
Why would you want to be genetically CAYMAN? There are some serious problems in the pool.
The whole point is that no one is genetically Caymanian…just those who think they are born of Arawaks who were never here, but in Hispaniola…but that’s near right? Near enough for the marl road at least…
Tell me how to you define someone whose roots have been in Jamaica for the last 150-200 years? Personally I consider them to be Jamaican even though I know that their ancestors may have come from Africa, Europe, India, Middle East or China.
Maybe, but the point was about genetics, and genetically there are no Caymanians..or Jamaicans come to that.
Actually there has been a genetic study done that shows that Caymanians are a distinct population group. International Journal of Legal Medicine . May2015, Vol. 129 Issue 3, p465-466.
Smh .. reading the comments. I just don’t see why our MLAs on the opposition side are being criticized? Are you people suggesting we get rid of the opposition team and when injustices or irregularities within our civil service do occur, we just refrain from speaking out against them or asking them questions???
For crying out loud, Saunders, the most passionate member I see for jobless Caymanians, are holding our health services management accountable for what they do?!
What is it?! Please tell us! Is Saunders too black and blessed by the sun?! Is he too loud and aggressive?! What is it?! ?
There is no justification as to why any Caymanian would not want to hold the hospital management accountable for what they do AT ALL TIMES ! ?
Saunders is choosing to argue a case from 12 years ago that has been proven. What good does it do to argue something that is already settled?
Saunders isn’t pointing out that there has been a positive change in the financials and that adjustments were all due to revaluations of properties and not actual adjustments to the revenue.
Why didn’t Saunders give some ideas on how to improve?
Facts are facts. The board has put new policies in place and they are making a remarkable change. By the way, the board is 100% Caymanians.
We are Caymanians by pain, by boat, by plane by paper whatever means that is legal, however let us not lose sight of the fact that being Caymanian does not make you the brightest or not able to make mistakes. We have a problem a serious one with ‘this us and them situation and the only way it’s going to change is if every Caymanian of every age and color and position start to show our true spirit of dedication work ethic, demanding and obtaining training, encouraging each other, helping each other and rebirthing the true Caymanian spirit that we come from or we have brought to bear in this country that we are born in or that has accepted us.
It is only by our works and deeds that we will be able to truly make these Islands a better place for generations to come, where equality is a hallmark and not just a name plate and where respect for one another is a way of life.
By the way we expect our elected leaders to pave the way to truly care and protect the rights of all Caymanians and immigrant workers. It is up to you to set the example , it is up to you to take whatever means is neccesary to ensure freedom, equality and maintenance of peace, justice, economic and social stability for your people, and the country on a whole.
I ramble yes, I ramble but who knows just maybe my rambling may stir some thought in those who rule that they need to really understand where and how we want this country to be in The next
Well said Jah Dread, the “us and them” situation just breeds further discontent and does not solve the problems.
Cant believe folk here complaining how Saunders and Ezzard talk … let me tell you something! These guys are OUR ONLY OPPOSITION LEADERS! If you don’t like them you can always vote them out! But as far as I know, if you get rid of them, we Caymanians and Status holders have lost our voice! These guys are the only ones barking when they sniff party corruption and see something wrong! THINK BEFORE YOU CRITICIZE OUR LEADERS!
WELL DONE SAUNDERS AND THE ENTIRE OPPOSITION TEAM! KEEP UP THE CRITICISMS AND KEEP THE QUESTIONS COMING ??
Stop shouting!!! Shouting doesn’t make anyone right…normally the sign of a bully..
shout loud as you want if you didn’t have a valid opinion CNS would not have printed your writing, 3:37 be still will ya,
No Jah, everyone has a right to an opinion, and a right to say it. If they are valid is another matter entirely
Hullo Hullo where does “be still” stop anyone from opening dey mouth even if it is to criticize 2:37 peace be unto you.
Tibbetts states board gives full soupport to obvious failing employees…..perhaps board needs to be changed?!?
Good turnarounds take place over a short period of time….not pushing or exceeding a decade!!!
Perhaps you need to read the facts. Pay attention.
36 months… seems like a reasonable amount of time to me. (That’s how long Tibbetts has been chairman).
Pay Attention.
How they are allowed to squander our funds and explain it away seamlessly…
Ask the former politicians. It was them who wouldn’t allow the hospital to collect. Why don’t you hold them responsible?
They don’t have to be smart. Just smarter than the voters.
Just because you are a certified chartered accountant doesn’t mean you can be a CFO after working as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper. Most states(USA) today require 500+1000+ hours of accounting(audit) experience reporting to a licensed CPA who certifies your experience. Passing a bar exam won’t make you a partner in a law firm. A private pilot’s license is sufficient qualification for flying a small plane, but it won’t get you a job as a pilot, you have to complete the training to earn a commercial pilot’s license.
Who certified her accounting experience (must have been licensed CPA)? How many CPE hours HSA CFO has completed since 1999 and what exact courses have been taken (must have been in advanced accounting, tax, audit or industry relevant)? What was the level of her professional experience before she was hired as CFO- bookkeeping or advances accounting, tax or audit?
Those qualification and certification documents that CNS has attached are so old and tell nothing of her professional development since then.
Why don’t you ask the CEO from 2005?
This is strictly a Political witch-hunt that is only meant to distract the Board and senior management from doing a complete turn around. The HSA will deliver a clean audit for 2018 and that will be proof enough.
12.19 pm the Civil Service has had many grossly incompetent and underqualified accounting staff for years which is why so many departments have been unable to produce meaningful accounts over decades, resulting in the accounts having to be qualified after audit. I suggest you turn your attention to them as this problem in Government is endemic and far more serious.
I see more young Caymanians employed at Health City than at Government’s GT Hospital!!
Political rhetoric. Facts not appearance is what matters. Check percentage of Caymanians.
Check nationality at birth if you really want a true reflection of what is happening.
Like “who your daddy be”? Might be surprise.
What a shame!!!!!
Good that he defends his colleagues, especially as there would appear to be a turnaround…shame about the “we try to employ only Caymanians” remark..it kind of implies that the original mess was created by Caymanians…but that makes it OK, right?
Mr. Tibbetts has only been in there 3 years. I’m sure his comment is in regards to the time since he has been there. He can’t speak for what happened 10 plus years ago.
Oh look, in Cayman we now have our own “alternative facts”. What next, we build a wall to keep “them” out, we discriminate against upstanding citizens based on their nationality and we disrespect women who are mothers, daughters, wives and sisters? Wait, soon come…
Perhaps a wall would be a good idea to keep those out who continue to land ILLEGALLY……..
it is ironic that Chris Saunders is all passionate about hiring Caymanians NOW however it was during HIS leadership as a previous HSA board member, deputy chairman and chairman of the finance subcommittee that a CAYMANIAN was removed from the position of CEO and an expatriate brought in to lead the organization! Other Caymanians were also displaced for a significant number of expatiates to take up senior positions at the time including chief information officer, director of patient financial services and director of human resources and it was during HIS involvement at the HSA that a position was created for director of marketing for the wife of the then CEO. Nepotism was never a concern of his THEN was it?
Simpleton! Has it not dawn on you that Saunders is an MLA now! So it is his duty to speak for us !
Do what I say, not what I did! Is that what Saunders wants?
Whilst we all seem to be focusing on those deemed “ill-qualified” for certain roles in the HSA; can we also ask ourselves how John-John is qualified to be the MLA for this portfolio?
or what abou any previous MLAs and Ministers in charge of HSA? If the CFO is accused of being incompetent, certainly the previous MLAs/Ministers were totally asleep to let the financial situation of the HSA get so out of control….
Was Ozzie qualified?
Maybe he was. Maybe he was not. But he had a bull whip. That should count for something.
I read the pervious article by Chris Saunders, and firstly let me say it was a disgrace for him to drag these people name in mud. He used the public office for deframation of character, and yet no one has spoken about what he did, and that’s very sad. Most are happy with how he tried to discredit the CFO. And What’s sad is that these same politicians are the problem, and that’s why the hospital is in this financial state. How can the CFO and CEO improve a system when the politicians are always getting involved. And Mr Saunders is blaming the CFO for the failed financial state of the hospital for the past twelve years now. What he fail to mention is that, caymanian if they are unable pay would receive care, and the hospital cannot turn anyone away. So with a culture where people believe that they should not pay for health care how could the HSA financial position be any different.
Maybe we should ask Mr Saunders about his tenure at the local HSBC branch? How well did he do his job? What did his senior managers think about his results & attitude? Why was he effectively out-of-work and able to run for office?
You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, maybe try actually using up to date information before writing a bullshit comment to try to spread false information
Diogenes
It seemed you touched a nerve there matey.
Try another to see the Diogenes reaction. You could be onto something.
Maybe some background to see if Chris applied recently or few years ago for the position? If you think Jamaicans run that hospital now, wait for Chris to get closer to influential position. Wait for it.
Considering he was employed after HSBC closed down and prior to being elected (not sure what his employment status is now) It is hilarious watching you people come up with your little theories.
You can continue to connect nonexistent lines to invisible dots, whatever helps you sleep at night. Keep calling him a Jamaican all you want, ( If anyone actually thought that he was a Jamaican they would challenge his candidacy), But don’t forget what happened to Gordon and Velma Hewitt, and continue to spread lies and misinformation, unlike Mr Saunders you don’t have parliamentary privilege.
Diogenes
Just because you are a certified chartered accountant doesn’t mean you can be a CFO after working as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper. Most states(USA) today require 500+1000+ hours of accounting(audit) experience reporting to a licensed CPA who certifies your experience. Passing a bar exam won’t make you a partner in a law firm. A private pilot’s license is sufficient qualification for flying a small plane, but it won’t get you a job as a pilot, you have to complete the training to earn a commercial pilot’s license.
Who certified her accounting experience (must have been licensed CPA)? How many CPE hours HSA CFO has completed since 1999 and what exact courses have been taken (must have been in advanced accounting, tax, audit or industry relevant)? What was the level of her professional experience before she was hired as CFO- bookkeeping or advances accounting, tax or audit?
Those qualification and certification documents that CNS has attached are so old and tell nothing of her professional development since then.
C.S. step on someone’s pinky toes ?
CNS. Help me with 10000 likes please.
It’s like setting someone up to fail. I wonder if “Chris man” as he refers to him as “my man” was to be in the financial struggles and needed health care. Chris would be the first to tell his man to go and get whatever services he wants and don’t worry about the money. Or he could make sure to do his part and hook up a few of “his men” with some insurance so if they have to use it while struggling financially at least the hospital can seem to look as if it’s possible to make it work. It’s impossible to get the Hospital to make any sort of profits let alone run without cash injections.
If we can change the handout mentality of the people that come here and get a piece of paper that end up at social services or at the hospital for a free bed night, then we can make a start.
One walk in to the hospital and you know what nationality run things. They look out for each other. Miss Yearwood is the real deal, so she also try to look out for her little few. In the end she is a scapegoat. They would not make her succeed. she is the outsider.
Chris should be talking about how to enforce medical insurance for everyone.
Its soon time for a “Mac tax”. How does someone be listed as “unemployed or unemployable” and never have health insurance coverage enforced?
Chris might seem to mean well, but this is totally wrong for him to blame the current board. Does he have someone or few persons in mind that could run the Hospital.?
It’s been rumoured before that only doctors can run a hospital.. . .
Lawd gad, mi fling that out deh, a duck mi a duck now. Those strategic breakfast meetings with similar nationals could be coming into play now.
CNS, worry bout dem.
Just give me as many likes you can for the poster comments above.
You can slice and dice it how you want, fact is that HSA’s cash management and debt collection has been a mess for years. Too many examples of people not getting their bills in a timely manner and at times even years after they received a service. Fact is also that the Financial Statements have been a mess and needed to be adjusted. Those are two facts that in a private sector would raise serious concerns and would have the respective employees involved and responsible for those function worried that their job may be on the line.
A big issue seems to be that in the world of government operated entities, nobody has to fear any consequences or job loss.
Slice and dice the report that they are in a better cash position now than they have ever been. Uh oh… looks like the tides are changing. Maybe we should support the efforts of our Caymanian Board that is making a change for the better.
Anonymous 11:59pm , sometimes after you have applied for a job that you know you’re qualified for and meet the criteria/requirements for the job. You just have to physically go to the future employer’s face asking for an interview . If your rights have been violated and no interview with the Company the third attempt , then go public but make sure that you have documentation to back up everything you would say , and say it publicly how you can . Then things would change because I believe what you have said .
Especially when the Government is always asking and telling you that you have to be educated and qualified to get these jobs .
Nothing like some good ol fashion facts to stir into your morning coffee. Goes to show, you can always tell when a politician is lying by the fact that their lips are moving, good job putting the facts out there CNS.
Why would citizenship come up here? Should the big issue be the fact that the finances are horrible? Have these people kept their job due to where they were born? Because if it was about the job, in any other company they would have been fired
What the certificates confirms is that Mr Saunders was 100% correct that the CFO did not have the qualification or experience required for the job. The fact that they choose to ignore the job specification and employ someone clearly not qualified at the time highlights what wrong with the favouritism.
The fact that the Board of Chair is defending her and the CEO’s appointment, speak volumes about his own judgement and qualifications.
Mr Saunders I am so sorry I never voted for you thinking that as an independent you would not have a voice. I hear you loud and clear now and urge you to keep exposing the dark side of what is really going on in Cayman.
Saunders is wrong on every count.
1) She was qualified.
2) She did have over 7 years experience (16 Years)
Where is our politician now? Can’t say much can he?
Saunders probably has some personal friend that wants the job. Typical political agenda.
none so blind as he who refuses to see
29:00 – “through you Mrs Chairman I disagree … ” replied Chris Saunders ?
Also spoke in 95:00
Saunders relates with the problems job-seekers are having.
People need to understand that degrees are simply a pre-requisite qualification and do not mean you will be good at the job at all. Secondly, educational accreditation is often more important. Experience and track record are often more valued.
The Licensing Dept, Public Transport, CINICO, and the HSA all have something in common. And they are all in a mess. Hmmm what could it be I wonder???
Are you bluffing?
Just watch the accents and don’t be confused my dear.
Mr. T, it is unfortunate that you had to take time out of your extremely busy schedule to publicly reply to concerns raised by Mr. Saunders. The public oftentimes does not see the exceptionally long hours that Senior Management and the Board puts forth on behalf of HSA.
So, guess my point is simply this – Mr. Saunders, try to be more a part of the solution than the problem. The same energy and time that you spend bashing HSA could be used to provide constructive insight and solutions. You are beginning to sound like the esteemed representative from North Side – not sure that criticizing for the sake of criticizing is the best way to work for our country. And Mr. Saunders when you publicly criticize a civil servant (or authority employee) we cannot directly defend ourselves in the public domain, without higher ups involvement. Essentially, sir, you must know this – kind of like you are trying to pick a fight and the person is tied up and cannot defend themselves.
In closing, Mr. T. keep up the excellent work you are doing – you are a man of your word and I appreciate you taking a couple of my suggestions to improve HSA and the professional courtesy of replies in a timely manner.
wish I could give this a hundred thumbs up
Tell 99 friends and that would be 100 🙂
BTW needs good representation not Jamaican gutter politicians!
Racism in Cayman is thriving! Especially those who think they are pure bred. I shamefully have to put up with Jamaican bashing comments. But all in all, God knows his children.
If you really think he is a Jamaican then why didn’t you challenge his candidacy, scared to end up penniless?
Watch what you say,Tara Rivers should have taught you all that lesson. You can spread all the lies you want but when you are taken to court for libel don’t be surprised when you lose.
It was there to be had. But a loud bully voice apparently was favored over intelligence and a female perspective. Shame on those who could only hear noise and not substance.
It is only natural and common sense that Mr. Tibbetts would defend his Senior Management Team.
Instead of publicly bashing civil servants, Mr. Saunders should spend a little time to be get himself better informed. Mr. Saunders, can things be better? Certainly – all organizations and departments are not without some areas that they can improve – including your own constituency, BTW.
Board Chair Jonathan Tibbetts has, through his actions and pronouncements, made it clear that he is the biggest problem at the HSA and that his removal is the only way to start the process of making the fundamental changes that are needed to put the HSA on a solid footing.
Wait and watch… lets see if there is a solid footing there now or if the downward spiral has continued. My inclination is that Mr. Tibbetts and his board are the ones who have turned the organization around. Soon see.
A promise from the current HSA management is a comfort to a fool. Please provide a copy of the four year turnaround plan that he published shortly after being appointed to the board.
It’s there. It’s in writing and it is happening in practice as well.
Typical uninformed comments.
Send the link to the document and stop talking foolishness.
http://www.radiocayman.gov.ky/hsa-board-chair-sets-the-record-straight
There we go.
NUFF SAID.
This is not the document that I asked you to provide. Did you even understand the previous comment?
If you can’t see the strategies listed then you are the one who can’t read.
Look at the subtitle “Strategic Direction.” This would be a general overview of the turnaround in conjunction with the already noted achievements. Spend some time and look at what good is happening and you would be much more informed rather than reading to criticize.
You have only help to confirm that what I have been saying is correct.
Mr. Tibbetts has been chairman for 3 years and will be delivering a clean audit in his fourth. Exactly how would you do it better?
Ignorant comments from people who are political wanna be’s should be posted in future campaign attempts.
Jonathan Tibbetts is not qualified to be the chairman. He is a politicial puppet placed in the position to advance the agenda of his political handler. How many more public mishaps does the CEO Yearwood have to have on her watch to understand that leadership is serious problem at the management and HSA board levels?
Public Health policies and management are at crisis levels in the Caymans. Anywhere else there would be consequences but these people are special and the Brackers at the top have circled the wagons. So nothing will change for the better. The concept of accountability is a myth in this country.
Sorry for your comments but it is apparent that Jonathan Tibbetts is letting the results of his board speak louder than your jealousy. A major turn around in 36 months says more than any rhetoric from an opposition member.
If you want to be on a board, you should try to be successful in some aspects of your life instead of being a mouth champion with nothing to back up your accomplishments.
Mr. Tibbetts success speaks for itself.
The Auditor General will confirm how great the Board and management has performed under Tibbetts stewardship as chairman.
Seriously… you have absolutely no idea what is really going on up there!! What about the Extremely qualified Caymanians who are on this island ready to work and make a difference and they are TURNED AWAY, made feel UNWELCOME and have to go and get work in the US or elsewhere. Give me a break! When was the last time you actually talked to a Caymanian about how they are being treated? I’ll wait!! What makes it even worse is that these are Caymanians in these positions that don’t want highly qualified young Caymanians coming in there and threatening there positions. Take a minute to Check Yourself at the door! You’re just making irrelevant statements to make it seem like you didn’t screw up and the people you hired haven’t done anything wrong. Take some Responsibility and put your ego aside!
It would be best if all of you just stepped down, because this is already embarrassing enough and absolutely appalling to watch. Everyone in high ranked positions are either in bed (literally and figuratively) with certain people to keep there places, when they should have been gone a long time ago! GTFO and take the incompetent, lazy, HR staff with you!!
Sounds like you weren’t doing your job and are blaming someone for not keeping you hired. I can assure you, as an employee of HSA, every Caymanian has their voice heard. Sometimes you just have to speak to the right people. If you don’t get the results you want, keep going until you do.
Nobody cares about what you can assure
Real Caymanian or paper
Pssst… I am a Caymanian.
Born Caymanians, not status holders, have applied for jobs at the HSA and has never had an reply or notification, less an interview. I know of a person who has an masters degree, who applied for a job and has never been contacted. What about a specialist who was not given a chance to practice in his/her chosen field? Yet, a locom’s services has continued over the years.
The HSA needs to look itself in the face and be fair to the indigenous not status holders.
You do realize that there is no such thing as an ‘indigenous’ Caymanian, right?
Oh please sit down with your stupid comment, this is not Trump’s America, this is the Cayman Islands, quit trying to drive wedges between our society.
Now that the situation has been clarified and Chris and Ezzard has been shown up, is this the best you can come up with?
Caymanians (indigenous, as you say) and status holders in the eyes of the Cayman Islands Labour/Immigration Law are one and the same. So your argument about status holders, like me, is irrelevant. If you had said work permit holders instead, I would completely agree with you.
Unfortunately you will always find exceptions to the general rules in any employment situation – whether it be nepotism, political favor or political retribution, attending the same church, being in the same service club/social club, or just being from a certain family.
Am sorry to hear about the two situations that you described above – sadly this is a common thing you hear out in the streets.
The adjective indigenous is derived from the Latin word indigena, which is based on the root gen- ‘to be born’ with an archaic form of the prefix in ‘in’.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as “a body of persons that are united by a common culture, tradition, or sense of kinship, which typically have common language, institutions, and beliefs, and often constitute a politically organized group”.
Over the years I have applied for jobs as well, does that mean I should get every job I apply for? I have never been able to list “Caymanian” as a qualification on my resume. I have to let my work and experience speak for itself. Not every person that applies for every job will get it.
From what I read in this article it seems like much is being done to get as many Caymanians in the organization as possible. Nothing is perfect but at least it is heading in the right direction.
Unfortunately, you MLA’s are the ones to blame because legally we are not allowed to discriminate against status holders. Maybe we should change the law and have indigenous passports?
6.14am Unfortunately like so many of your native kind, you are abysmally ignorant in your comment about not being able to discriminate against status holders. In the civilised UK this would be deemed to be racist and you would be hauled before the Race Relations Board and jailed..
My comment was laced in sarcasm. I am saying that a Caymanian is a Caymanian no matter how they came to be Caymanian.
Good idea
in·dig·e·nous
adjective: indigenous
originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
11.59 you are so right,hospital dedicated to recruiting caymanians are a joke. that is for new caymanians statas holders from our south east neighbor.
so is puplic works same situation..
I know a person who is a statas holder himself went to one of the division heads and got this man who had just come from Jamaica a mechanic job , no adds no nothing, he got his physical , got job.
next nine years another new Caymanian.why not some americans, germans , Russians, English to counteract this dark cloud that will enclose us.
It’s happening at other Govt. authorities as well. Jamaican hire Jamaicans ….just check out some of the authorities ask about their account officers. And their nationalities. Hotel workers then moved on , learnt to post invoices and bingo now hired to work financials.
Let’s be clear now.
Being a patient and always at the hospital as a Patient does not get you brownie points when you find out they are short staff. That is not experience.
If it took you 8 hours to see the doctor and the nurse mentioned that they are short staff. Please note that short staff position is reserve for “my man” when his sister or bruddah arrive from the next door Island.
If you think only India and Pakistan and those countries have “arranged marriages” you need to get in the know. It’s a big money maker here in Cayman and some serious persons are the guide and mentor of the couples.