PAC moves to hold UHWI chief executive in contempt after ignored summons

The Public Accounts Committee met on June 16, 2026, to continue its review of the Auditor General's performance audit on procurement at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

Officials tabled extensive documentation on the hospital's chief executive officer recruitment, including addendum minutes from board meetings held on September 20, September 23, October 3, and October 18, 2023, plus human resource subcommittee records. Great People Solutions, the external firm engaged for screening, also submitted its report. Members said the files painted a far fuller picture than the two paragraphs available at an earlier sitting and supported testimony from former board chairman Chai Chong.

Opposition member Julian Robinson's colleague Mark Bunting — referred to in proceedings as member Bunton — said the records showed an international selection process led by Dr Andre Foote, then deputy board chairman and head of the human resources subcommittee. Member Cousins called for a parliamentary research summary to be entered into the official record; the committee later ratified that summary, which outlined round-robin board approval in August 2023 and steps toward contract negotiations with the chosen candidate.

Attention then shifted to current CEO Fitz Gerald Mitchell, who had been invited and subsequently summoned to appear. Senior legislative clerk Tiffany Stewart told members that all protocols under Standing Order 782 and the Senate and House of Representatives Powers and Privileges Act were followed when the summons was served on Monday, June 8, 2026. Mitchell sent no correspondence and did not attend.

Stewart said his absence could amount to an offence under sections 18A and 18B of the act, carrying a fine of up to $200 and possible imprisonment, and recommended modernising those penalties. The committee voted unanimously to authorise its chair to report the matter to the Speaker and pursue contempt proceedings.

Permanent Secretary Dr Powell said he would write the UHWI board chairman urging disciplinary action, though he noted employee discipline rests with the board, not the health ministry. Members Miller, Bunting, and Cousins condemned Mitchell's conduct and called for stronger internal and legal consequences.

Separately, Powell reported that breakdown of an air-conditioning unit had taken two of Kingston Public Hospital's four main operating theatres offline. HEPA filters ordered from overseas are expected by mid-week, with full restoration likely within two to three weeks after installation and sanitisation. Elective surgeries are scaled back; emergency operations continue. A replacement cooling system is being procured.