The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AN independent investigation has been ordered into the death of police officer Garvin Demeritte at the Rand Memorial Hospital, Freeport, in June. Herbert Brown, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, confirmed the investigation yesterday after receiving completed preliminary reports by officials at the Rand.

Officer Demeritte, 31, died in the emergency room while undergoing medical treatment at the Rand on June 21. Three weeks before his death, the officer had been treated for an ankle injury. On June 20, he went to the Hawksbill Clinic for a regular check and recast. The next day he began experiencing difficulty breathing and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

This is believed to be the second incident where a patient with an ankle injury has died under similar circumstances at the hospital. Earlier this year, 21-year-old Patreka Romer, went to the Rand with an ankle injury and died while in the hospital. The hospital administrator had reported that Romer’s cause of death was not classified as a result of negligence.

Administrator Catherine Weech told The Tribune yesterday that preliminary investigations into Demeritte’s death have been completed and sent to Mr Brown.

The Tribune caught up with Mr Brown, who was in Freeport meeting hospital staff. He said that the report he received was based on preliminary investigations that had been conducted by hospital officials at the Rand.

“I have ordered the medical chief Ben Beneby to undertake an independent investigation into the matter which will also allow us to investigate the hospital system,” he said.

Mr Brown explained that the hospital is not able to release any information regarding the officer’s death due to patient and family confidentiality. He indicated that the family of the deceased officer has not filed or made any complaints to the hospital.

Officer Demeritte was a father of two children, aged nine and one, and had served in the Royal Bahamas Police Force for five years. He had been attached to the West End District.

It was not clear how his injuries were caused, but unconfirmed reports suggest that a car tyre had rolled over his foot. His death was a shock to many of his police colleagues. Touching tributes and condolences were posted on social media sites following his death.

Officer Demeritte was described as a very sociable and outgoing person. He played softball for the Police team.