The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Social Services yesterday admitted that a staff member “slapped” a teenage boy at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys, but denied that he was “very badly beaten”.

The statement came after FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner called for a full investigation into the alleged abuse of a 14-year-old boy at the school.

Mrs Butler-Turner first raised the matter in the House of Assembly last week. At the time, she said that a young resident from Freeport was allegedly beaten by custodial staff members at the facility.

Following the incident, the former Social Services Minister said the boy was put in isolation where he requested medical attention, but was denied help.

In a press release, yesterday, the Ministry said a full investigation revealed that no such incident had taken place.

“The Ministry of Social Services and Community Development investigated the allegation by the Member of Parliament for Long Island that a resident of the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys from Grand Bahama was very badly beaten and denied medical treatment.

“The investigation did not reveal any such incident,” the release said.

“The investigation revealed that in early February, a resident from New Providence claimed to have been beaten by staff.

“The claim was investigated but it was not substantiated. The resident reportedly recanted the claim. He has since been discharged from the Centre.

“The investigation further revealed an incident occurred in mid-February in which a staff member slapped a resident from Grand Bahama.

“The staff member accepted responsibility for his action and was subsequently issued a warning letter by the Acting Superintendent.

“The resident did not require medical attention.”

Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin has also denied the alleged abuse.