Business View Caribbean - Mar 2024

PIONEERING LEADERSHIP: WOMEN AT THE HELM In the traditionallymale-dominatedfieldof healthcare leadership, the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) presents a remarkable exception, with its executive management team predominantly comprised of women. This distinctive feature highlights a progressive shift in gender dynamics and showcases the BVIHSA as a champion of female leadership in healthcare. Reflecting on this unique aspect, Dr. Samuel shares her insights into the confluence of factors that have cultivated such an environment and the motivations that drive her commitment to healthcare excellence. “It strikes me now that you mention it,” she acknowledges, pondering the gender composition of BVIHSA’s leadership. Her reflection on growing up in environments where women frequently lead provides a personal backdrop to her understanding of the current dynamics. She observes that the health services sector has long embraced female leadership despite the largely male-dominated political sphere. “The majority of executives have always been females,” she states, suggesting a cultural norm within the BVI that fosters female advancement, particularly in public service sectors. Dr. Samuel candidly discusses the juxtaposition of operating in what is still perceived as a “man’s world” despite the preponderance of female leadership within the health sector.This duality underscores the challenges and achievements of women in executive roles, navigating through societal expectations and professional landscapes.“There’s a lot of recognition of the skills and capacities within the health sector, and females hold quite a number of the senior positions,” she elaborates, attributing this trend to a broader societal encouragement for women to pursue education and professional advancement. When questioned about the driving force behind her work, Dr. Samuel’s response is profound and personal. “It’s my passion to serve,” she declares, tracing this ethos back to her childhood aspirations and the example set by her parents, both dedicated Providing bespoke protection solutions for your clinical team At Medical Protection, we o er a range of membership solutions to meet the needs of your organisation. Whether you choose Corporate Membership, Group Membership or a combination of both, you know your organisation’s reputation is in good hands. Find out more Contact businessdevcb@medicalprotection.org or scan the QR code for more information. 67 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 BVI HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORI TY