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Our Team

At the heart of the Saint Lucia Universal Health Coverage (SLUHC) programme is a dedicated and passionate team committed to transforming healthcare access and outcomes for all. Our members bring together a diverse mix of expertise across public health, policy, finance, technology, and community engagement.

SLUHC Team

Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford

Director

Mr. Josue Previlus

Project Officer

Ms. Stefy Defreitas

Project Officer

Mrs. Patrice Lewis-James

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Ms. Jade Brown

Communications Officer

Mr. Dravid Remy

Information Technician

Ms. Earlina Rambally-Agard

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Septima Alphonse

Verification Clerk

Mr. Michael Fontinelle

Insurance Expert

World Bank Experts/Consultants

Edit Velenyi

Senior Economist

Cointha Thomas

Economist

Sheila Dougherty

Health Policy Expert

JIPA Consultants

Dr. Kester Nedd

Chief Executive Officer

Kesan Buddy

Vice President of Operations, Planning, & Business Development

Dr. Pamela Youssef

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Wiebe Boer

Chief Growth Officer

Hamilton Stephen

Economist

Olvine Holas

Project Management & Policy Development

Roxanna Archibald

Program and Marketing Director

Leonce Limousin

Senior Programmer/Analyst & Chief Information Officer

Judy-Ann Pritchard

Vice President, Business Development, Corporate & Provider Network Services – Caribbean

Together, we are building a healthier Saint Lucia.
 “Health is not just about treatment. It's about access, dignity, and sustainability. That’s what our team is working to deliver.”

Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford

Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford entered the medical profession in 2005 after graduating from Carlos J. Finlay Medical University in Camagüey, Cuba. She began her career at Victoria Hospital, where she worked for three years before pursuing further studies at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine.

Upon her return to Saint Lucia, Dr. Eugene-Ford served as a District Medical Officer and Health Disaster Coordinator for the Ministry of Health. She later advanced to the position of Senior Medical Officer (General and Infectious Diseases) and was appointed Medical Director of Victoria Hospital in May 2016. She continued her leadership as Medical Director at the Owen King European Union Hospital (OKEUH)/Respiratory Hospital and served as the Clinical Lead at the Saint Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre.

In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Eugene-Ford holds a second Master’s degree in Public Health and is currently completing a Doctoral Degree in Health Care Administration.

Dr. Eugene-Ford is presently the Director of Universal Health Coverage, leading efforts to ensure that all individuals have access to the healthcare services they need without financial hardship. She is known for her humility, empathy, jovial nature, and down-to-earth approach.

Her service extends beyond clinical leadership. She sits on the Research and Ethics Committee of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Council, serves as Deputy Chair of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex Board, and is the Focal Point for the Governance Team of the Kingdom Women of Influence within the Streams of Power Ministry in northern Saint Lucia. Additionally, she is a recognized leader under the One Health, One Caribbean, One Love initiative.

Mr. Josue Previlus

Mr. Josue Previlus is a dynamic professional with a strong background in leadership, operations, and strategic management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management and a Master of Science degree in International Business Administration.

Mr. Previlus has extensive experience in project implementation, having served as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer for five projects executed by Habitat for Humanity International. These projects were funded by the World Bank, Canadian development agencies, and the Haitian government. Building on his experience in the humanitarian sector, he also served as the Global Village Volunteer Program Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago.

Expanding his expertise into hospitality management, Mr. Previlus worked as a Hotel Operations Manager, where he successfully developed and implemented policies for both staff and guests, contributing to the hotel’s growth through the development of new revenue streams. He later served as a Visa Officer at the French Embassy in Saint Lucia, representing the 28 Schengen States of Europe.

Mr. Previlus subsequently rejoined the hospitality industry, holding a supervisory role at Sandals Resorts International.

Currently, Mr. Previlus serves as a Project Officer for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Project at the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in Saint Lucia, where he continues to apply his diverse expertise to support the advancement of healthcare initiatives.

Stefy Defreitas

Stefy Defreitas is a Project Officer with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Project at the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs. She brings seven years of experience in educational settings, having served as a Natural and Social Science teacher and currently managing a learning academy, where she oversees daily operations and academic programming.

Throughout her career, Stefy has developed strong skills in coordination, leadership, and project management, honed through her involvement in a range of smaller initiatives focused on education and community development. Her ability to manage teams, organize activities, and deliver results has positioned her well for her current role, where she supports the planning and implementation of strategies aimed at expanding access to healthcare.

Stefy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health, deepening her knowledge of public health systems and strengthening her focus on improving health equity and access. She is passionate about contributing to initiatives that ensure inclusive and sustainable healthcare services for all.

Mrs. Patrice Lewis-James

Patrice Lewis-James serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Department. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Epidemiology from Florida International University (FIU), where she was recognized with the Dean’s Excellence Award. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Chemistry, and a minor in Biology.

With over eight years of experience in research, Patrice has made significant contributions to the field of public health. At FIU, she was awarded the Stempel Research Award and participated in National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research through the university’s Research Center in Minority Institutions (RCMI). During her tenure, she conducted studies, co-authored publications, and presented findings at national conferences across the United States. She also served as a Graduate Research Assistant and later as a Research Coordinator within the same center.

Patrice has demonstrated strong leadership throughout her academic and professional career, serving as a “This is Public Health” ambassador for the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH), a Dean’s Student Advisory Board representative, and Vice President of Leaders in Maternal and Child Health (LMCH-FIU). She currently holds the role of National Teaching Fellow for Data Science.

Passionate about public health research and data-driven solutions, Patrice aims to integrate her expertise in research and data science to strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation efforts and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Universal Health Coverage in Saint Lucia.

 

Ms. Jade Brown

Jade Brown is a proud mother of two and an accomplished media professional with over fourteen years of industry experience. A British national of Jamaican and British heritage, her career in media began at Helen Television Systems (HTS) as a junior news reporter, where she received extensive training in journalism and writing from seasoned industry professionals.

During her five years at HTS, she rose to the position of News Anchor for the HTS Evening News, co-anchoring alongside Andre Paul. In 2015, she transitioned into public service as the Press Secretary to the then Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, bringing to the role her deep understanding of media and communications from the vantage point of the Fourth Estate.

Following her time in government, Jade took on the role of Marketing Manager at Rayneau Construction and Industrial Supplies Ltd. (RCIP). She was later engaged by McDowall Broadcasting Corporation to revamp their news product. As News Director, Editor, and Anchor, she successfully curated a team of media professionals, leading to the creation of MBC Prime News, the flagship program of MBC TV and Real FM.

Currently, Jade Brown serves as the Communications Specialist for both the Universal Health Coverage Project and the St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project. Through her company, The PR Consultant, she also manages PR and marketing for a range of initiatives, including Soufriere Jazz: The Ultimate Experience and Soufriere Carnival, and offers private consultancy services to various organizations.

Jade’s dynamic career extends to event hosting, where she has been the face of prestigious events such as Saint Lucia Carnival, King and Queen of the Bands, the Launch of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, and the SLMDA Awards Ceremony. She has also evolved into a corporate event host and public speaker, specializing in etiquette, deportment, and interview skills training.

Jade Brown is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Communication, further strengthening her expertise in global communications and public relations.

Mr. Dravid Remy

Dravid R. Remy serves as the Information Technician within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Unit. A dynamic and creative media professional, Dravid brings a wealth of experience in videography, photography, graphic design, and live production. He has collaborated with several of Saint Lucia’s leading brands and media outlets, including Massy Stores, Digicel, CPJ Supermarket, HTS, Gerico Sounds, Rooftropics Media, and Hitz FM.

Dravid holds an Associate Degree in Digital Media and Animation from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. He is also the founder of Crimson Gem Productions, a media production company specializing in high-quality video and photography services.

His portfolio includes work on major national initiatives such as the St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project, as well as annual cultural events including Saint Lucia Carnival, Soufrière Jazz, Color Me Red, and Red Brunch. He continues to expand his expertise through ongoing studies in social media marketing and film production, further strengthening his contributions to both the UHC Unit and the wider creative industry in Saint Lucia.

Ms. Earlina Rambally-Agard

Earlina Rambally-Agard is an accomplished Administrative Assistant with over four years of experience providing comprehensive administrative support to senior leadership. She began her academic journey in healthcare at the Trinity School of Medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and furthered her expertise by earning a Master’s degree in Health Science, deepening her understanding of the medical field.

In 2023, Ms. Rambally-Agard co-authored the research paper “The Clinical Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and The Treatment Options” alongside Dr. Shilpa Karkera and Dr. Larysa Sankova, which was published in the European Journal of Biology and Medical Science Research.

Throughout her career, she has provided critical administrative support to senior executives, including the Director of Administration and the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, ensuring the efficient management of schedules, tasks, and operational processes. She also served as the Administrative Assistant to the Minister for Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs.

Currently, Ms. Rambally-Agard is a valued member of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Project, where she is committed to contributing to the advancement of equitable healthcare for all.

 

Ms. Septima Alphonse

Septima Alphonse serves as the Verification Clerk for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Project at the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs. In her role, she provides essential support to the Project Officers and the Director, contributing to the effective implementation of the project’s objectives.

One of her primary responsibilities is the costing of the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS), which includes key areas such as snakebite management, communicable diseases, and cancer care. Her meticulous approach ensures that critical services are accurately evaluated and costed to support the successful delivery of UHC.

Septima is a proud alumna of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Prior to joining the Ministry, she built her professional foundation in the private sector. The Universal Health Coverage Project marks her first experience working in the public sector, where she is committed to contributing to transformative improvements in healthcare access and delivery.

Mr. Michael Fontinelle

Michael Fontenelle is a seasoned insurance professional with over 30 years of industry experience across the Caribbean. He holds several distinguished certifications, including the LUTCF designation from the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA), as well as the ACS and FLMI certifications from the Life Office Management Association (LOMA).

Throughout his career, Michael has held key positions in both the insurance and brokerage sectors. He has served as a Sales Representative and Sales Unit Manager with First National Insurance Company, an Accounts Executive with Cando’el Insurance Brokers, and as Branch Manager and Principal Representative for the Guyana and Trinidad Group of Insurance Companies.

Michael joined the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Unit in April 2024, bringing a wealth of knowledge in insurance operations, risk management, and client services to support the development and implementation of sustainable health financing strategies.

Edit Velenyi

Edit Velenyi is a Senior Economist with the World Bank, supports countries in designing and implementing reforms to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC), including primary care reform, hospital sector modernization, and sustainable healthcare financing. Edit has supported the design and implementation of health system reform in the Caribbean since 2020, including Saint Lucia’s UHC journey under the Health System Strengthening Project, and leveraging knowledge transfer from South Korea under the Korea World Bank Partnership Facility. During her 23 years with the Bank, she has worked with the Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, the Development Economics Research Group, and the Development Impact Evaluation Initiative, spanning Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean, combining development economics, policy research with operational work. She published on health policy evaluation, shocks and health financing, and systems resilience. Edit holds a Ph.D. in Economics, University of York, England; an MA from the Johns Hopkins University, SAIS, Washington, D.C.; and an MA from the Budapest Business School, Hungary. Before her career with the Bank, Edit worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense in Hungary.

Cointha Thomas

Cointha Thomas is an economist with over twenty (20) years of development, project management and public finance management experience. Born in Saint Lucia, she is currently a Consultant with the World Bank working on the Saint Lucia Health Systems Strengthen Project. Cointha Thomas spent thirty-five (35) years with the Government of Saint Lucia and served in various capacities including as the Budget Director and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Health and Finance.

Sheila Dougherty

Sheila Dougherty is an expert in health policy, health systems strengthening, health financing, health purchasing and provider payment, public services, public finance management (PFM), accounting, management, and governance.  She has more than 30 years of international development experience and 20+ years leading large programs resident in Central Asia and Tanzania.  Other specific areas of expertise are institutional development including structure, roles and relationships, program and project management, and converting vision to concrete step-by-step implementation strategies and plans.  She served as a health policy and financing specialist for the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration (Medicare and Medicaid programs) and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.  Other career experience includes private sector accountant, member of U.S. Table Tennis team competing internationally, and sports governance.  She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a masters in health administration.   

Dr. Kester J. Nedd

Dr. Kester J. Nedd, a native of Grenada, is the Chief Executive Officer of JIPA Network LLC. He is an internationally recognized neuroscientist and healthcare leader, celebrated for his significant contributions to health system strengthening across the Caribbean.

Dr. Nedd brings extensive experience from his senior medical roles at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Building on this foundation, he co-founded JIPA Network, an organization committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare throughout the Caribbean region.

As CEO of JIPA Network, Dr. Nedd has dedicated over nine years to enhancing healthcare quality and leading the development of National Health Insurance (NHI) programs across several Caribbean nations. His work focuses on reducing the dependence on overseas healthcare by fostering the development of sustainable, locally based healthcare systems.

Dr. Nedd’s areas of expertise include managed care, care coordination, and designing health insurance models tailored to meet the unique needs of small island developing states.

 

Ms. Kesan Loren Buddy

Ms. Kesan Loren Buddy serves as the Vice President of Operations, Planning, and Business Development at JIPA Network’s Miami headquarters. She brings over a decade of executive experience in healthcare operations and strategic leadership across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Ms. Buddy is a distinguished alumna of the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Political Science, and Nova Southeastern University, where she completed advanced studies in Project Management. She is recognized for her expertise in operations management, revenue optimization, strategic planning, deal structuring, and regulatory compliance.

Since 2019, Ms. Buddy has played a central role in the development and implementation of Grenada’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program. As the NHI Project Technology Lead, she is responsible for the integration of cost-effective technologies, the operational establishment of the National Health Insurance Authority, and the execution of strategies aimed at enhancing revenue, reducing costs, and improving patient satisfaction.

Ms. Buddy’s leadership continues to drive innovation and sustainability in healthcare systems throughout the region.

Dr. Pamela Youssef

Dr. Pamela Youssef is a board-certified neurologist with extensive expertise in stroke and neurocritical care. She completed her Adult Neurology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and currently serves as the Stroke Medical Director and Chair of the Neuroscience Service Line Committee at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.

Originally from Lebanon, Dr. Youssef earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology before receiving her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She also holds an MBA in Multisector Healthcare Administration from the same institution, equipping her with a unique blend of clinical and administrative acumen.

Dr. Youssef began her medical career at the Design Neuroscience Centre, where she worked as a General Neurologist and Neurohospitalist, with a clinical focus on stroke and critical neurological conditions. In addition to her clinical duties, she also served as the Medical Director of Hospital Services, overseeing care delivery and quality improvement initiatives.

As Chief Medical Officer of JIPA Network, Dr. Youssef is committed to advancing accessible and affordable healthcare solutions throughout the Caribbean. She leads JIPA’s regional health initiatives and works closely with care coordination teams, hospitals, and referring physicians to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and timely care.

Dr. Wiebe Boer

Dr. Wiebe Boer serves as Chief Growth Officer at JIPA Network, overseeing strategic planning, capital raising, and business expansion across regional and global markets. With more than two decades of leadership experience across five countries and multiple sectors—including consulting, philanthropy, higher education, and renewable energy—Dr. Boer brings a global perspective and a deep expertise in mobilizing private capital for public good.

He holds a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from Yale University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College, all in the field of history. Dr. Boer began his consulting career at McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group, advising Fortune 500 companies on growth strategies and organizational transformation. He later held senior leadership roles at the Rockefeller Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation and served as CEO of All On, a Shell-funded renewable energy investment platform in Nigeria.

Born and raised in Nigeria to Dutch missionary parents, Dr. Boer holds citizenship in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. He is married to a Trinidadian, and his global background, combined with strong Caribbean ties, uniquely positions him to lead JIPA’s long-term growth and social impact initiatives.

Hamilton Morgan Stephen

Hamilton Morgan Stephen is a native of Saint Lucia and an alumnus of Dalhousie University and the University of the West Indies. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Mr. Stephen brings over 25 years of experience in national and regional policy-making and economic analysis. He has held senior administrative, managerial, and leadership roles, including serving as Director (Acting) of the Research Department and as an Advisor at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

His areas of expertise include Caribbean economic growth and development, financial sector development and stability, public policy, and economic stabilization policy. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Stephen is an avid sportsman and an active community advocate.

Currently operating as a consultant in private practice, Mr. Stephen has served as a Health Financing Expert for the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, Government of Saint Lucia, contributing to the advancement of Universal Health Coverage initiatives. He is also presently engaged as a Consulting Economist with JIPA Network, supporting strategic health financing and economic policy initiatives across the Caribbean region.

Mr. Olvine Holas

Olvine Holas is an Associate Project Manager at JIPA Network, specializing in project management and policy development for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and National Health Insurance (NHI) initiatives. With over a decade of experience spanning project management, operations, policy, and strategic planning, he supports the development of sustainable healthcare systems throughout the Caribbean.

Mr. Holas holds Master’s degrees in International Business & Emerging Markets from the University of Edinburgh and International Management from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Management. A Chevening Scholar, he has led and contributed to projects across both public and private sectors, collaborating closely with governments, healthcare leaders, and community stakeholders to advance healthcare accessibility and equity.

Mr. Holas remains dedicated to leveraging his skills to drive transformational change in healthcare systems, with a focus on building sustainable, equitable solutions for small island developing states.

 

Roxanna Archibald

Roxanna Archibald serves as the Program and Marketing Director at JIPA Network LLC, where she oversees program development, strategic marketing, and regional initiatives across the Caribbean. She plays an instrumental role in the implementation of National Health Insurance in Grenada and supports JIPA’s expansion into emerging healthcare markets.

Based in Miami, Florida, Ms. Archibald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Mercer University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s in Public Health, an MBA in Multi-Sector Health Administration, and a Certificate in One Health One Medicine from St. George’s University.

Ms. Archibald brings a diverse cross-sectoral background with professional experience spanning healthcare, telecommunications, banking, and entrepreneurship. Her expertise includes care coordination, marketing, public health programming, and operational management. With a strong commitment to innovation and organizational excellence, she is a key contributor to JIPA’s mission of delivering accessible, integrated, and patient-centered healthcare solutions throughout the Caribbean.

Leonce Limousin

Leonce Limousin serves as Senior Programmer/Analyst and Chief Information Officer at JIPA Network and eHDL, where he leads software development, technology infrastructure, and digital innovation across the organization. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare IT, he has designed and implemented systems for a wide range of healthcare models, including HMOs, PPOs, Medicare, Medicaid, and provider-sponsored networks.

Mr. Limousin holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Florida International University and previously worked with Electronic Data Systems on long-term healthcare contracts. He is recognized for his expertise in systems analysis, claims administration technologies, and secure data management.

His strategic leadership ensures the reliability, scalability, and security of JIPA’s technology platforms, supporting the organization’s continued growth and commitment to modern, data-driven healthcare solutions.

Judy-Ann Pritchard

Judy-Ann Pritchard serves as Vice President of Business Development and Corporate & Provider Network Services for the Caribbean at JIPA Network. An Attorney-at-Law licensed in Barbados, she brings over 20 years of experience spanning insurance, underwriting, and healthcare operations, with a specialized focus on the life, health, and pensions sectors.

Throughout her career, Ms. Pritchard has served as an Operations Manager and Consultant Underwriter, contributing to the development of insurance processes and documentation used across the region. She is widely recognized for her deep understanding of service delivery, client relations, and stakeholder engagement.

In addition to her professional achievements, she serves as the Honorary Secretary of the YWCA in Barbados. Her legal acumen, combined with her insurance expertise and passion for service excellence, makes her a driving force behind healthcare modernization and provider network development in the Caribbean.