fp Turks and Caicos

The chief financial officer of the National Health Insurance Board has tendered her resignation effective Nov. 14.

“Although this was a difficult decision, it was done as a matter of principle and taken in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, while at the same time safeguarding and protecting my integrity and professional reputation as a Certified Public Accountant,” Desiree James said in a press release. She did not elaborate.

Her announcement of her departure after 2½ years helping set up and administer the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) comes during the same week that the interim government announced that the country’s health care system is unaffordable and must be changed, including changes in the NHIP.

“The NHIB has made tremendous strides in its quest to provide residents of the TCI with the best health care possible,” James said. “However, there is much left to be done to ensure that this country maintains a health care system that is affordable to its residents.

“I wish to thank the government of the TCI and the board of directors of the NHIB for the opportunity to have served as CFO in particular and my country in general. At the same time, I wish to implore the NHIB and interim administration to make decisions that are totally in the best interest of the health of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially during these economic times.”