NASSAU, The Bahamas - Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells along with several officials at the Ministry participated in a virtual handover ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters on Friday morning, January 29, 2021.

The Minister and his team gathered to express their gratitude to outgoing PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Esther de Gourville, who will be moving on to another opportunity after serving for over four years in The Bahamas. Dr. Eldonna Boisson succeeds her as the new Country Representative.

Minister Wells said The Bahamas has enjoyed a very close relationship with PAHO for some 44 years.  He said that during this time, the country has greatly benefitted from the technical support provided by PAHO particularly in training, improving capacity and providing equipment and supplies for the Ministry of Health.  He said that over the years, Dr. de Gourville has not only served as a mentor but as a friend to those with whom she worked at the Ministry.

“As the outgoing PAHO/WHO Representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. de Gourville, we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation for all the work you have done on behalf of the Bahamian people.  We have appreciated your interventions, your active participation on the Emergency Centre and other advisory meetings.  We are eternally grateful for the way you utilized your contacts around the globe to access equipment and medical supplies for The Bahamas.”

He also thanked her for her efforts in paving the way to access the COVID-19 vaccine. “Because of your fine efforts, we can now expect some 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to execute the expected two prescribed doses.”  The Minister also thanked her for her assistance with natural disasters such as Hurricane Dorian.

Dr. de Gourville said that working in the Bahamas was a great opportunity for her as well and that she was grateful for being a part of it. “ I wish to thank you allowing me to participate in contributing to the development of health care management in The Bahamas,” she said.  “I will always be available to assist in anyway that you may need me, respecting the new Representative, of course,” she said.  “I can also truly say that I am leaving you in good hands with the handover to Dr. Eldonna Boisson.”

She also thanked the Minister and his team for hosting a farewell luncheon on Thursday, January 28, at the Balmoral Club.

Also delivering remarks was Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan, who thanked Dr. de Gourville for her mentorship and assistance.

Minister Wells also welcomed incoming Representative Dr. Eldonna Boisson and said that he and his team were looking forward to working with her.

“As the Ministry aims to continually fulfill its vision of an optimal level of health and well-being of all citizens and residents of The Bahamas, we welcome you, Dr. Eldonna Boisson, to your new post -- the incoming PAHO/WHO Representation for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he said. “We are unable to guarantee that there will be no more hurricanes or that COVID-19 will be going away soon however, as an epidemiologist, coordinator and strategist, we will be needing your expertise immediately to help to manage the COVID-19 response.

Dr. Boisson thanked the Minister and his team for the warm welcome and said that she looks forward to working with them.

“I am excited and encouraged by all that I understand you have been able to achieve under the leadership of Dr. de Gourville,” she said.  She said that while COVID-19 is currently the pressing issue facing the nation and the world, other issues also need to be addressed such as non-communicable diseases.  Dr. Boisson is no stranger to the Bahamas as she has visited many times over the years during her 20-year tenure with PAHO.