Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis accepted the resignation of Health Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday, a stunning climax to a fast-moving controversy that has now dimmed Dr Sands’ political career. “I thank him for his service to the Bahamas, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. I will make a further statement on this matter (today), including on who will serve as minister of health,” Dr Minnis said in a brief statement issued shortly before 10pm.
The Elizabeth MP offered his resignation to Dr Minnis for his actions related to six permanent residents who landed in the country last week with COVID-19 testing supplies and were allowed to quarantine at home before they produced a negative COVID-19 test result.
Some Bahamians were initially angry over the episode because hundreds who have wanted to return to the country have been stuck abroad.
On Sunday, Dr Minnis said protocol was breached during the episode.
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Though Dr Sands on Sunday told The Tribune he would not resign from Cabinet over the affair, he did just that through a statement yesterday.
“I refer to the unfortunate controversy surrounding the delivery of COVID-19 test swabs and the landing of permanent residents under what you have termed a breach of protocol regulating the entry to the Bahamas by Bahamian citizens and permanent residents under Emergency (COVID-19) Regulations,” he said in a letter to Dr Minnis, which was posted to the Elizabeth MP’s Facebook page yesterday afternoon.
“I accept responsibility for this breach of protocol. I acknowledge that I acted outside of the scope of my authority in this matter. My actions were guided by my great desire to obtain the much-needed testing swabs which are in short supply both here and internationally and which are key to our efforts to trace the spread of the coronavirus so as to better focus our responses. I acted at all times in good faith.
“Nevertheless, I acknowledge that my actions have caused embarrassment for which I express sincere regret. We continue in the midst of a most serious pandemic when focused attention should be trained only on how best the spread of COVID-19 might be slowed and eventually be stopped. I believe that my continued presence in the Cabinet may serve as a distraction from our effort and hence I offer my resignation from your Cabinet. I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great country.”
Earlier yesterday, a document purporting to be a statement from Dr Sands appeared and began to circulate on social media, causing considerable confusion.
The document claimed Dr Sands apologised to Dr Minnis and offered his resignation but the prime minister “graciously refused to accept it.” Dr Sands denied the legitimacy of the statement on social media. Thirty minutes later, he released a similar statement about his resignation.
Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe connected Dr Sands with donors who supplied 2,500 test swabs that cost $11,250, prompting an effort by the health minister to get the swabs here.
Dr Sands got approval from Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar for a N-578GC aircraft to deliver the supplies to the country.
He then got approval from Immigration Director Clarence Russell for the passengers.
Mr D’Aguilar told Dr Sands officials had been insisting that people coming to the country provide a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. The Freetown MP deferred to the health minister to make the call and Dr Sands allowed the passengers entry without testing them. During his national address on Sunday, Dr Minnis suggested this was at least part of the breach––the residents were allowed entry without being tested.
Dr Sands initially said only two people had been allowed to disembark in the country. Dr Minnis later revealed it was six. He said they have tested negative for the virus.
Even up to Sunday evening, Dr Sands was defiant. He told this newspaper he was shocked at “how far to the left” the conversation over the matter had gone.
“When you’re trying to solve problems for the public, sometimes it requires to dig deep, to beg and we’ve done a lot of begging based on relationships that you have established over the years with individuals and institutions and universities and countries. It’s called networking. Failing that, you cannot mount a response,” he said.
Dr Sands twice lost elections for the Elizabeth constituency — a by-election in 2010 and a general election in 2012 — before winning his seat in 2017.
As one of the country’s premier cardiovascular surgeons and a political figure for over a decade, he is no stranger to drama.
Nonetheless, during the COVID-19 crisis, he often attracted praise across social media for composed and reassuring public performances as he played a pivotal role managing the unprecedented health crisis.
Under his watch, improvements were made to the radiology department of PMH and the Corey Newbold Ward, the male chest ward at PMH, which opened in 2018 with new beds, bed-side furniture and curtains.
He brought his expertise as a doctor to the Health Ministry
IT was at the third time of asking that Dr Duane Sands won the vote to represent the constituency of Elizabeth.
In 2010, he went head-to-head with Ryan Pinder in a by-election in the constituency – and lost by just two votes. Two years later, he lost out again in the same match-up as Mr Pinder kept his seat and the PLP were voted into power led by Prime Minister Perry Christie. Dr Sands and Mr Pinder had an antagonistic campaign, with Mr Pinder dismissing comments by Dr Sands in 2012 as “childish”. In that race, Dr Sands declared his assets as $6m – and the same sum in the 2017 election.
His history in public service is much longer than since taking his seat in 2017, however, having served as chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation between 2011 and 2012 and being a former chairman of the Bahamas Medical Council and director of the Central Bank of The Bahamas. In his time at the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, he sparred with Shane Gibson, who accused Dr Sands of lying about Mr Gibson’s tenure as housing minister – with Dr Sands later claiming he had been the victim of “hate speech and character assassination” by the PLP.
A two time senator, he previously served as director of the Public Hospitals Authority, vice president of medical affairs and member of the board of directors of Doctors Hospital and the director of the Physicians Alliance.
This is also not the first time he has offered his resignation to Dr Hubert Minnis – this time in Dr Minnis’ capacity as prime minister, but also in December 2016 when Dr Minnis was FNM leader and Dr Sands was serving in the Senate.
At the time, seven FNM MPs had written to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling asking for Dr Minnis’ removal as leader of the Official Opposition, with Loretta Butler-Turner, then Long Island MP, becoming leader of the opposition instead. Dr Sands resigned alongside Carl Bethel, saying he “served at the pleasure” of Dr Minnis, who had “requested the resignations” in light of his removal as opposition leader.
Earlier that year, in the summer of 2016, Dr Sands and Mrs Butler-Turner ran as a team for FNM deputy leader and leader respectively, challenging Dr Minnis and Peter Turnquest for the posts. However Mrs Butler-Turner and her running mate dropped out of the race at the last minute.
The pair ran for the same posts in 2014 and lost to the current leadership duo, although they did not run as a team on that occasion.
At the time, Dr Sands said “in life, defeat is only final if you don’t get up and try again”.
Nor is this the first time that there have been calls for his resignation. On Friday, PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis asked for Dr Sands to resign – and has previously called for his resignation over his role in the Frank Smith trial.
Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt criticised both Dr Sands and National Security Minister Marvin Dames for the “egregious” way they interacted with witness Barbara Hanna prior to a police investigation into her claims, charging that their conduct gave the appearance of a “political flavor to a curious bystander”. Those concerns were reiterated by appeal judges, who said they “can appreciate” her concerns.
PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said: “We’re saying Sands and Dames have to go, the prime minister needs to dismiss them or he himself has to go because he adopts their bad behaviour.”
Dr Sands brought his expertise as a doctor to the role of minister of health. He is a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon.
Born in Nassau to Basil and Roberta Sands, he went to St Anne’s High School before going on to study at the Cheshire Academy in Connecticut and Tufts University in Massachusetts, then earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1986. After completing his residency in Michigan in 1994, he returned to The Bahamas and worked as a consultant physician at Princess Margaret Hospital, becoming the chief of surgery and also practising at Doctors Hospital.
He has also taken his expertise to the global stage, becoming president of the Pan American Health Organization’s 56th Directing Council.
A member of the Anglican community, he has four children.
Perhaps crucially, as Dr Minnis came into office and appointed his Cabinet, including Dr Sands to the role of minister of health, the new prime minister said: “Good governance demands being responsible for our actions. Accordingly, I will hold ministers to the highest standards of ethical conduct in performance of their public duties.”
Ahead of his resignation, Dr Sands acknowledged he was responsible for the decision to let a US couple – later revealed to be a family of six – into the country. Having taken responsibility, he subsequently submitted his resignation yesterday.
Comments
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
It may be time for a non medical person (a businessman probably) to fill the Minister of Health position. Specialists in that position generally do not do a good job, and certainly have not in this current crisis and its really the Chief Medical Officer and staff that deals with the kind of medical situations we have at present anyway.
The PM should not attempt to fill this position since his incompetence has already been shown with the multiple gaffes he made issuing "emergency" orders!
pileit 4 years, 7 months ago
garbage, hot, steaming, garbage. Sands was solid and effective, his only hindrance was having to play politics in addition to actual effective work.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
... this forum allows for differences of opinion. You have yours and I mine. I believe that is still allowed in a democratic society! For those who are moved by words (as the simple often are) Sands did a wonderful job. For those who look at facts objectively its easy to come to another conclusion!
ISpeakFacts 4 years, 7 months ago
If by solid and effective you mean keeping bodies in a trailer for more than 8 months along with having a tent for a hospital in GB for the past 8 months then yes... Sands is very solid and effective!
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
ivory towers always come crashing down.
themessenger 4 years, 7 months ago
Its also very easy for armchair "experts", who are experts at very little, to throw stones and it has always been a penchant of Bahamians to kick people when they're down rather than extend a helping hand. Some of yinna mussy graduated from the University of Muddatakesic.
moncurcool 4 years, 7 months ago
I was going to say the university of wulff road.
truetruebahamian 4 years, 7 months ago
Minnis - An unholy small minded c**t.
Robert Sands Robert Sands Please forgive my asterisks!
Honestman 4 years, 7 months ago
Yes, Dr. Sands was guilty of an error of judgement but in the grand scheme of things was it worthy of his resignation? I don't think so. I think the PM is trying to protect himself politically in accepting the resignation. Dr. Sands has behaved in an honorable way. Compare this to the actions of the PLP government in previous administrations where many were guilty of much more serious "crimes" yet were supported by Perry Christie and the Party regardless.
pileit 4 years, 7 months ago
How is it an error in judgement? he obtained permission from key ministerial/ governmental players. he resigned because it turned into a mob driven, political shtstorm. He made the requests for permission because there was a material benefit to the nation. Bahamians are equating that flight with the plight of the hundreds stranded. ALL of them are unable to finance their own airplane to get home, ALL are relying on a government sourced flight, probably 2-3 Bahamasair flights. And then other retards start hollering bribery...really? an accomplished, successful millionaire is going to stash the swabs in his garage? The short-sightedness of this politically feral populace amazes me.
geostorm 4 years, 7 months ago
@pileit, I couldn't have said it better myself. We are in the middle of a crisis and our people are fighting over 2500 swabs which were secured for their use. Man, I am just in disbelief over our pettiness and immaturity as a people.
Sadly, I don't think we will move beyond this type of mentality
truetruebahamian 4 years, 7 months ago
Let's fast track Minnis's removal of the P.M post for which he is entirely unsuited and give Duane and Loretta the helm so as to right a wayward party.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
. yep, that settles it, its time to take the route of the sane and relocate to another country!
I would rather take a chance with a political newcomer who has common sense than a career power hungry politician with strong self interests!
SP 4 years, 7 months ago
Loretta? Have you totally lost your mind? Duane is acceptable, but Loretta is THE most abominable, sorry excuse for a Bahamian only equaled or perhaps surpassed by Brent!
DDK 4 years, 7 months ago
Minnis fooled you Mudda, he took the bus route instead.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
A simple, conveniently OPM orchestrated resignation expected for dirt to be quickly swept under the carpet is insufficient justice delivered!
When crown minister breaks the law it is quickly filed away under a protocol that was breached during an episode and not treated as a breaking of the law act as was defined by the colony's attorney general....compared to the death sentences imposed upon colony's Homeless citizens.
From the reporting would appear that different government officials allowed themselves to be used, and transparency demands answers to the WHY?
Why hasn't the media published a list of the names plane's six passengers? Be damn interesting learn as to how much luggage the six passengers showed up at the airport with when they landed and must have to have cleared customs and immigration?
On what and who's orders were customs and immigration operating under when the plane was granted airspace and landing rights, and the conditions \under which its six passengers were cleared?
Nod once for yeah, Twice for no?
pileit 4 years, 7 months ago
what law did Sands break? To my knowledge a family of 6 broke our laws.
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
Not exactly ... if the laws had been enforced, the family of 6 would have been told by the police, Customs and Immigration, “Do not depart that airplane. Kindly turn around, fly back where you came from, and please return when we’ve decided that is safe for all of us for you to return. Thank you.”
licks2 4 years, 7 months ago
Try reading Emergency Order Act, CHAPTER 34. . .THAT LAW STATES THAT THE PM is in charge. . .his decisions CANNOT be contravened. . .sands just needed to contact the pm for permission!! Dr. Sands has been trowing that fact in out faces for weeks. . .
DDK 4 years, 7 months ago
Hmm, truebahamian. The Party is in dire need of rightening. It will not survive with the current skipper for sure. As to your possible contenders, which would accept second in command?
themessenger 4 years, 7 months ago
@DDK & truetruebahamian. One of those you mentioned that we neither want nor need back in politics is the one who has always talked the talk but could never walk the walk! The need could never be THAT dire.
ohdrap4 4 years, 7 months ago
Out of adversity comes opportunity.
The snafu caused the opening of some businesses to be moved up as the natives got restless.
Opening of liquor store and all the breaches will soon be forgotten.
Yse he is smart. No one likes him.
TruBeehamian 4 years, 7 months ago
"Dr Sands got approval from Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar for a N-578GC aircraft to deliver the supplies to the country.
He then got approval from Immigration Director Clarence Russell for the passengers.
Mr D’Aguilar told Dr Sands officials had been insisting that people coming to the country provide a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. The Freetown MP deferred to the health minister to make the call and Dr Sands allowed the passengers entry without testing them. During his national address on Sunday, Dr Minnis suggested this was at least part of the breach––the residents were allowed entry without being tested."
^^^^ the article states he got approval from the appropriate Ministers... so help me understand the issue
licks2 4 years, 7 months ago
During an EO, nobody has decision making powers except the pm!!! Chapter 34 says that during an EO no other act, except the constitution is in effect. . .the pm has sole decision making powers. . .and person contending his instructions is breaking law contained within ch 34!!
JokeyJack 4 years, 7 months ago
Don't worry - this will be a good lesson to others to know better than to stick their neck out to help people. The 11th Commandment ? --> "Thou shalt forfend thy own neck whilst among the multitude."
Sickened 4 years, 7 months ago
I hope the PLP's on these chats are taking notes. Sensible people are able to criticize their own party when errors are made. I don't recall any PLP supporter ever criticizing their beloved (error free?) party.
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
You make an excellent point here.
SandsShawn 4 years, 7 months ago
Touché !
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
Ma comrade, I throw out challenge name a but single visible redshirt of any note who has criticised red party?
themessenger 4 years, 7 months ago
@Tal, comrade, what you need any visible redshirts for when yinna gat Birdie?
Proguing 4 years, 7 months ago
Not the best idea to let go the minister of health in the middle of a pandemic. Several ministers from previous governments did a lot worse and remained at their post until they were removed in a general election.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
Ma comrade, really, was that the campaign message the redshirts got elected on - our party's crown ministers will not do more worse than the PLP government's ministers....and, you do understand there are lots octopus's arms connected to this donation story than your redshirts hopes hell doesn't see daylight. Remember when a telephone call was made to the Chief Constabulary to call in someone living in Abaco for questioning over just questions he was asking about donations?
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
Time to move on Rashad.....you can only milk the news for your employer by telling it a limited number of different ways.
fletcher935 4 years, 7 months ago
So a good man with stellar academic and leadership credentials is being forced to give up his portfolio because he tried to do the right thing for the country? Sound judgement should always trump protocol. A visionary and a true patriot such as this Minister should be applauded. Hopefully, this unfortunate episode does not sour this good physician on public service because he has so much to offer. I am sure that he will land on his feet but I think we as a nation are worse off today than we were yesterday.
ColumbusPillow 4 years, 7 months ago
There is now a scientific report that the pandemic will peter out at the end of its 70 day period. That's early June. Lets keep our fingers crossed!
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
One technical detail that got glossed over: Originally we were told these humanitarian expats had brought in much-needed test kits. Turns out, what they brought in were swabs, which basically are Q-Tips. Swabs are necessary, to be sure, and in somewhat short supply — but they are NOT “test kits.”
lovingbahamas 4 years, 7 months ago
I am afraid that Dr. Sands needing these swabs shows what a dire situation the Bahamas is in for testing and tracing. Not that anybody is admitting that since there is no transparency. They can’t even test health care workers. Dr. Sands knew it was a risk but a risk he had to take to possibly save lives. But, if you want to talk about REALLY dire situations, just imagine another hurricane wiping out another island like Abaco and everyone forced to go to Nassau during a fall Covid outbreak. That would be a real disaster. And, seeing the lack of government response in Abaco, the future is very dark. And, with Covid, there won’t be any NGOs around to help. A disaster in the making.
bogart 4 years, 7 months ago
The reporter needs to go further into investigations of the Airport opening for incoming flight and and without doubt have ALL Airport staff facilitating Minister Dr. Sands should be held responsible. Some Airport staff should have stopped him until the Director or Authorized instructions. If it had landed then aircraft should have isolated and Security involved. Airport is a top nation security concern. There should have checks and balances for the opening of the Airport and the staff responsible should not continue in this position.
charlie 4 years, 7 months ago
Despite what Min. Sands did I do not think it warranted his resignation. I an not a FNM or a PLP to many persons are making comments base on their political preferences. I believe as a doctor, he did what he did to save lives, his heart was in the right place and it was a lapse in judgement. I have seen many political leaders done a whole lot worse and the did not resign. Min. Sands is aa man of class, and has principles and integrity, many such political leaders should have such character. I hope for the country sake, the Hon, Hubert Minnis do not accept his resignation. I feel he was doing a great job as it relates to this current pandemic. But when it is all said and done God will have the last say.
The_Oracle 4 years, 7 months ago
If we were that desperate for 2500 swabbs to go with our few thousand test kits (obviously without swabbs?) then who among them all has been dealing in the truth? 1500 tests done is pathetic compared to all other jurisdictions. Meanwhile, do not forget Minnis made himself the "competent Authority" and therefore in charge of everything. Ministers of Aviation, directors of Immigration, et al, all and sundry would need his permission/approval I believe?
licks2 4 years, 7 months ago
Minnis did not make himself the competent authority. . .emergency order, chapter 34 made him that! That chapter was put in place by Pindling/PLP. . .all relevant authorities you mentioned do not exist during EO. . .all statues are suspended. . .except the constitution only!!!
TigerB 4 years, 7 months ago
I listen to Darrol Miller live today in response to the resignation.. even some PLP were against Sands resigning. Perhaps they saw beyond the red and gold colors. Well, Brave finally got a win. yeaaaa
birdiestrachan 4 years, 7 months ago
Sands Is no boy Scott. Ask Frank Smith and Ms Hanna of the cleaning company.
Note the man and others who were charged. one man $4,000 for opening his business.
Where there cancer patients who did not receive their treatment as scheduled?? Who Is responsible for that,
The_Oracle 4 years, 7 months ago
OK licks2, I'll play the game, yes the order makes him the "competent authority" to use the term if not the definition, and who moved that order in the house?
Socrates 4 years, 7 months ago
Sands was fired for one reason, he listened to Obie Wilch.. if he had listened to some red shirt lackey, nothing would have been said. So when will renward go for his part in the LOI scandal at MOW under Davis? The one Minnis promised to pursue btw.
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