Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board as part of a series of appointments to statutory and advisory bodies under the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the appointments Friday during the post-Cabinet media briefing, stating that the selections form part of the government’s programme of institutional strengthening following the April 30 general election.

Merchant said the board appointments were presented to Cabinet by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph and subsequently approved. In addition to Benjamin and Mansoor, the board will include Martin Camacho as secretary, along with members Dr. Karen Josiah, Randy Agrippa, Kasmin Green, Akeem Edwards and Kiva Dean.

Kevin Silston of the Medical Benefits Scheme will serve as an ex officio member, while Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamara De Castro will also sit on the board in an ex officio capacity.

Cabinet also approved appointments to other statutory bodies under the ministry. Nurse Margaret Smith was appointed chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Nursing Council, which is responsible for maintaining professional standards within the nursing profession and ensuring the delivery of quality nursing care throughout the country.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority board was also approved, with Dan Lee Phillip named chairman.

Merchant said the appointments were among several matters approved by Cabinet during its meeting on Thursday.