The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

COMMUNITY activist Gene “Sparky” Fountain hit out at financial barriers to healthcare as he recounted an agonising 11-hour wait at Princess Margaret Hospital in a video reportedly recorded before his death.

In the video, whose recording date could not be confirmed, Mr Fountain was seen lying in bed in a dark room as he described how neighbours helped him into the back of a van while he waited for an ambulance.

He said they placed two comforters and two pillows in the van, secured his dogs inside his home and took him to hospital before the ambulance arrived.

“It was a very rough period,” Mr Fountain said. “Took a lot of time to get through. From about 8 o'clock last evening, we left there about something to seven this morning, but did not get to see any doctors. Got to take the blood test, the pressure test, and the sugar test. Got to register, but they said they only had three doctors.”

Mr Fountain recalled seeing numerous patients in distress, groaning in pain and dealing with medical and family emergencies. He described one incident in which blood was “all over the floor”.

He said doctors appeared to be “chickens without heads”, although he acknowledged that they were doing their best to assist patients.

“I only had time to put on my bathing suit and a shirt and the slippers. I had to get out of here. I'm still in very much pain,” he said.

The Tribune contacted the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) for comment and was told a statement would be released. However, none had been received up to press time.

Mr Fountain also used the video to highlight what he described as the financial barriers facing ordinary Bahamians who cannot afford private medical care or treatment overseas.

He said he had wanted to visit a walk-in clinic, but none was open, leaving him with little choice but to seek treatment at PMH, which he described as a “scary place”.

He argued that wealthier residents, particularly politicians, could afford medical treatment in countries such as the United States, Germany and the Cayman Islands, while poorer Bahamians had fewer options.

“We, the poor people ain't got nowhere to run. We can't afford to go in Doctors' Hospital,” he said. “Can’t afford to go to Lyford Cay and then the government clinics they say put me where you got me, but you got to pay them first.It's a bad, bad place.”

Following news of Mr Fountain's death, Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard paid tribute to the outspoken community activist, remembering him as a passionate advocate for ordinary Bahamians.

Mr Pintard said many Bahamians knew Mr Fountain through his frequent calls to radio talk shows, where he remained engaged in national affairs and freely expressed his opinions. “He had a way with words, and a gift for saying it plain. You always knew exactly where he stood,” he said.

Although they did not always agree politically, Mr Pintard described Mr Fountain as fair-minded and willing to speak candidly, regardless of whom his comments might affect.

“He was a community activist and one of those Bahamians who refused to be silent, especially in service of the small man. Our democracy is stronger because of people who care enough to speak up, who stay informed, and who demand more from those who serve.”

“I will remember Sparky most for his passion, which was evident in everything he dedicated himself to. We shared a love for agriculture, and I was honored to help him access government land when I was minister.”