The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

AS CONCERNED friends of the Canadian couple struck and killed by a car in Exuma continue to demand answers, police reiterated that they intend to file charges against the driver soon – but couldn’t say exactly when.

The delay, Supt Macktavaus Daniels explained, is due to the nature of the standard investigation process.

Jill Gandza, 55, and her 57-year-old husband, Ron, were walking home from a local hotel around 10pm when the incident occurred.

Mr Gandza was pronounced dead at the scene while Mrs Gandza died of her injuries at the local clinic later that night.

Supt Daniels, the officer-in-charge of the Georgetown Police Station, said he has been in contact with the victims’ friends and understands their concerns.

“I know they have to be frustrated with that and I do not take any delight in that,” Supt Daniels said.

“There’s a process that has to be followed – that’s how it is.”

He said the driver will be charged and he expects those charges to come “shortly”.

He added he is waiting for a file from Nassau investigators, which will contain their recommendations as to what exactly the driver should be charged with.

Friends of the couple remember them as animal lovers and avid supporters of the country’s potcake population.

The couple found homes for several local dogs, fostered dogs in their own home, and even took potcakes to Canada for adoption.

Mrs Gandza was a retired nurse and Mr Gandza had a job at General Motors in Canada; the couple divided their time between their native St Catharines, Canada and the Bahamas.

They left behind a 19-year-old son named Greg, who lives in Canada.