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A new chapter begins for Marie-Hélène Bernier. For four years, the Collectivité’s first vice president devoted much of her energy to health issues—both through her elected office and, above all, in her capacity as chair of the supervisory board of the Irénée de Bruyn Hospital. She has decided to step down from this role for several reasons, including the decision by a majority of the Collectivité’s elected officials to prioritize the hospital’s current site in Gustavia for the construction of a new facility. Marie-Hélène Bernier had long advocated for the new facility to be built on a plot of land owned by the Collectivité in Saint-Jean.
“Today, as I leave this position, I fully appreciate the progress we’ve made, the responsibilities we’ve shouldered, the difficulties we’ve faced, but also the strides we’ve been able to take together,” the elected official stated.
Indeed, over the past four years, numerous developments have taken place—and not the least significant ones.
Withdrawal from the Joint Management
Upon assuming the presidency in 2022, Marie-Hélène Bernier urged the director of the hospital group to appoint a director in Saint-Barthélemy. “Faced with repeated refusals, we ultimately made a bold decision: to withdraw from the joint management structure so that the hospital could once again have a director in its own right, fully dedicated to the facility.” The elected official described the period that followed as “delicate.” However, despite the concerns and questions raised by this decision, it bore fruit. A few months later, a director was appointed to lead Irénée de Bruyn. That person was Éric Djamakorzian, who remains in the position today.
Behind every issue lies a concrete reality
Thanks to the arrival of a director fully committed to the hospital’s future, Marie-Hélène Bernier and the supervisory board were able to undertake a comprehensive review of the facility’s financial operations and the relationship between the nursing home and the local government. This was a daunting task, which Éric Djamakorzian successfully carried out. From improving medical transport to obtaining certification from the Haute Autorité de Santé, the supervisory board, chaired by Marie-Hélène Bernier, has worked closely with the director and the hospital staff on all major issues.
The elected official mentions the reconciliation of accounts, the strategy adopted for repaying social security debt, the reactivation and updating of the various plans necessary for managing crisis situations (hurricane plans, emergency drills, and other safety measures), and support regarding staff housing… “These topics may sometimes seem technical or administrative,” notes Marie-Hélène Bernier. “But behind each one lies a very concrete reality: the safety of residents, patients, and healthcare professionals. We have also supported the creation of a scholarship for young people on the island who are pursuing training in healthcare professions, in addition to the scholarship offered by the Collectivité.”
“Everyone got to work”
Her work as president was praised by the members of the supervisory board. “It’s rare to have an elected official who’s so responsive,” notes Ludovic Gréaux, the staff representative, while Éric Djamakorzian asserts: “We’ve made remarkable progress at this hospital in two and a half years.” As for Marie-Hélène Bernier, she states: “I’m leaving this position with deep gratitude and the feeling that I’ve devoted the time, energy, and determination necessary to the mission entrusted to me. I’m not claiming that everything has been resolved. Significant challenges remain. But I’m leaving with the conviction that the work we’ve begun must continue and that the foundations necessary for this future have been strengthened. Everyone rolled up their sleeves and got to work, and that’s why we’ve achieved this result.”
Until the territorial council nominates another elected official to serve as chair, the supervisory board will be led by its current vice chair, Marie-Angèle Aubin.
