Health Minister resigns over protocol incident

Ministry of Health, Nassau – Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands has offered his resignation due to the controversy surrounding permanent residents allowed entry to the country from a plane carrying COVID-19 test swabs.

The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, said:

Dear Prime Minister,

I accept responsibility for this breach of protocol. I acknowledge that I acted outside 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 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.

Sincerely,

Duane E.L. Sands MD

Meanwhile Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has accepted the Minister’s resignation.

Source: CARICOM TODAY