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Leaked Letter Written By Dr. Richard Ishmael Which Got Him Suspended From The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

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L – r) Director of the Sparman Clinic, Cardiologist, Dr. Alfred Sparman; Minister of Health, Donville Inniss, his wife, Gail Inniss and the Minister’s Personal Assistant, Cindy Downes at the start of the official opening of the $20 million facility for cardiac care located at No. 4, 6th Avenue Belleville St. Michael

Prominent Cardiologist Dr. Richard Ishmael has been suspended from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital QEH with full pay pending an internal investigation. At the root of the problem is a letter written by Dr. Richard Ishmael which is addressed to Dr. Delores Lewis, Director of Medical Services at the QEH on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s letterhead.

In the interest of the public’s right to know BU now post the document. Feel free to use BU’s  Confidential Feedback Form which can be used to send information to BU without using an email address.

Letter Written By Dr. Richard Ishmael:

Pages: 1,2,3

Tenessess Board of Medical Examiners Minutes

Pages: 1,2,3

Department of Health Florida Board of Medicine Minutes

Pages: 1,2,3

Dr. Alfred Sparman Documents

Pages: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

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334 responses to “Leaked Letter Written By Dr. Richard Ishmael Which Got Him Suspended From The Queen Elizabeth Hospital”

  1. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @BU.David et al…

    As I used to enjoy saying as a child, because I knew it would piss off my parents:

    Are we there, yet?

  2. browngal Avatar
    browngal

    Now tell me, which letterhead should Ismael have written the ‘scandal’ on.. his private practise one? no.. he is an employee of the hospital and this was a QEH matter. If it had been a memo to the Dr. Lewis would he have been suspended. From previous blogs, be it known that Dr. Lewis is female (Delores).

  3. David Avatar
    David

    @browngal

    Thanks!

  4. David Avatar
    David

    Why would Dr. Ishmael have to be suspended? All of the accusations levelled by Dr. Ishmael should be easy to prove. A simple phone call.

    The letter to the DMS is an internal memo where Ishmael ask questions based on information he received i.e. the DMS and the Minister possibly using their influence to transfer a patient with out due authorization. This matter could have been nipped in the bud with prudent management. The ball is in the Minister’s court.

  5. Christopher Halsall Avatar
    Christopher Halsall

    @Son of the soil: “Typical whitey. Typical whitey huff puff.

    Just for consideration…

    The more you try to distract, the more I suspect we’re doing something correct.

  6. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @Browngal. Point well made. In fact, the “letter” can equally be viewed as being a memorandum and it has ever right to be on QEH letterhead. There is no claim of privilege advanced on it by the author and the recipient has no right to unilaterally claim such either. Whoever they are taking legal advice from, if indeed any such advice was taken in the first place, appears in need of a quick refresher course. That Dr Ismael copied his letter to the director’s superiors is also his right. Dr Ishmael’s letter/memorandum also falls right into the category of National Interest.

    The question of Dr Ismael’s absence from his post and his alleged ommission in responding to a letter dealing with his contract is a completely seperate and distinct issue – you cannot lump them together and use one to seek to exculpate the extraordinarily stupid action taken over the other. You cannot say, “Look, Dr Ishmael has no right to complain about Dr Sparman’s conduct”, because of another totally seperate issue.

    What we have is a situation where the Ministry of Health is alleged to have supported the alleged effort of Dr Sparman to put money in Dr Sparman’s pocket. Therefore, it is time for the PM to show his teeth to his minister of health and demand an explanation and, if it is not satisfactory, to fire the minister or whoever was responsible (if proved) forthwith AND to report to the electorate.

    As far as the qualification claims of Dr Sparman are concerned, that is a matter for the Police. If he has falsified his claims to government or the public, this is misrepresentation and fraud and, if supported, then the DPP should charge him criminally and instruct the Police to arrest him, pending a bail hearing and trial. Again, simple. In the interim, his license to practice medicine ought to be suspended. These are extremely serious charges affecting, as they do, people’s health.

    This is a case where to imagine that we are still living in a bubble is stupid. It is not going to go away and the foreign press will pick it up, particularly in the states in the USA where Dr Sparman has a record. New York Times, here we come. Government has no option but to display a no tolerance attitude and make it clear to the international community. Otherwise the negative publicity will be extremely costly to Barbados.

    This comes at a time when many of our untouchables are finding out that they are not untouchable after all and that we do actually have a responsible press (the blogs) that cannot be ham strung. For instance, there is a certain high court judge now facing a civil action for damages likely to be well in excess of $2 million (almost $3 million) for serious delinquency in the execution of their office. My question in that case is, if that judge is found to be liable for those damages, is that judge going to be personally responsible for the payment of the award, or will it be the taxpayer? This is yet another case where the authorities need to come clean with the public and not seek to obfuscate the issue, as someone has tried to do by raising the seperate issue of Dr Ishmael’s absence.

    May I also point out that if this matter is not carefully handled, there is a distinct possibility that the patient(s) in question may themselves, through their insurance companies, bring massive civil actions. Those same insurance companies may well then refuse to cover medical insurance in respect of visitors to Barbados – and that is a message that we really cannot afford to have sent to the world of tourism.

  7. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    David

    THOU HAST WELL SAID!
    It seems that there is a wind by some to change the team and bring in thier friends. But the priest with balls is fooling no one, nor is the memo by the Nephrologist, who seems to be approximating his labiae orae to the adipose over laying the priest with baLls glutei.

    I hope that the fellows will close ranks and deal with him. The wagons are circling what? Does he think that when his turn COMES that he will be treated any better.

    Now we know that Ishmael, as a QEH consultant for close to 3 decades used official QEH stationary to write a reasonable letter to QEH and other medical officials. The Board is grand standing, and all can see that.

    May God have mercy on medicine at QEH. THERE IS POLITICAL TYRANNY IN BARBADOS BUT THERE IS AN ELECTION COMING UP SOON.

  8. jack spratt Avatar
    jack spratt

    Amused, sometimes I wonder if you have more than a nodding acquaintance with law. How can a judge be sued for dereliction of duty?

  9. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    AMUSED
    YOUR COUNSEL IS WISE. Can you work for me? I coming home to set up a 20 million $ clinic like Sparman!

    There is an idiot who posts on BU who goes by the name of Tonto”s horse. He is conspicuously absent to day. He is the same moron who suggested that Ishmael should be brought to his knees for legitimately writing an official letter on official stationary to the officials.

    WE NEED A TEA PARTY IN BARBADOS!
    SOME PERSONS HAVE ADVANCED TOO FAR DOWN THE PITCH AND THE BALL HAS PASSED THEM!

  10. Question Avatar
    Question

    @ Amused: I am very impressed with your analysis. It seems as though Sparman and the MOH may have opened a can of worms and Richard Ishmael may be well on his way to having the last laugh.

  11. David Avatar
    David

    If all that we are reading is true, a real soap opera it seems, it must be evident to all why the late Prime Minister decided to remain the figurehead of the cabinet until his last breath.

  12. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    As Barbadians we must today be proud of both BFP & BU for exposing this political tyranny in Health in Barbados.

    These blogs have done what the so called main stream press in Bim will never do.

    WE SHOULD ALL BE JUSTLY PROUD OF THIER CONTRIBUTION TODAY.

  13. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    BUleaks!

  14. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Hants
    BU would never do anything naughty like that! LOL
    Man I like it!
    What is funny is that if the “officials” had responded to Richard properly, we might have never known what had gone on.
    What is funny too is the attempt at damage control by the QEH board.

  15. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    @ Dr. GP

    It seems nothing has changed at the QEH since your days there. I throw my support (what ever little it is) squarely behind Dr. Ishmael. He has high principles.

  16. browngal Avatar
    browngal

    Want to hear more about ”…. the $50,000 stents which was paid for but NOT present at autopsy.

  17. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    If the allegations about Sparman are true, how could he be permitted to practise highly specialised medicine without the requisite qualifications.

    Of course if he was “smart” he would hire a couple qualified cardiologist “to do the work” and focus on managing and expanding his clinic.

  18. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Pat
    Richard dont need our support ma girl. He has these fellas balls in his hands and they can feel the referred pain in thier hearts. What he haS TO DO IS COUNTER SUE AND LET THEM FEEL IT IN THIER POCKETS.

    brown gal
    keep coming
    the Bajan public needs to hear this and the police!

  19. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Hants
    I suspect that we will be hearing a lot more than has been said before.
    Seems these guys went after the wrong bowler- they forget Richard played for Lodge in the early days quite sucessfully?

  20. browngal Avatar
    browngal

    @GP.
    my obeah man from sandy lane, keeping it close to his chest, but trying hard to make him ..come.

  21. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    The newspaper article submitted refers to the Immigration Dept. efforts to get Dr. Sparman removed from the island in 2002. As he is still in B’dos does anyone remember how he was able to successfully challenge the removal order?

  22. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    With the exception of the alleged recent actions of Dr Sparman re the attempt at having a patient at QEH transferred to his clinic, all the other stuff cited by Dr Ishmael was well known. All that information was brought out in the attempt some years ago to deport Dr Sparman.

    http://www.lawcourts.gov.bb/LawLibrary/events.asp?id=451

  23. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Ping Pong

    Thank you for providing the legal proceedings

  24. Checkit-out Avatar
    Checkit-out

    Thanks Ping-Pong
    One recalls hearing of people getting off on a technicality but this is ridiculous. Now it looks as if they are adding another Act in this comedy of errors.

    Any bets on what the PM is likely to do to resolve this matter?

  25. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    Reading Dr Ishmael’s letter, I notice that it was the “Critical Care Consultant” that was allegedly approached by Dr Sparman and then by the Director of Medical Services via the telephone. The name of this consultant is not given. I trust that this person will corroborate Dr Ishmael’s version of the events (which thus seems to be hearsay). After making the accusations, Dr Ishmael writes the words “If the above information is correct….”(paragraph 3, page 2) and again “If the above facts are indeed correct…” (paragraph 4, page 2)! Can it be said that Dr Ishmael’s heart is in the right place but not his head? Is it reasonable to make and disseminate an accusation while acknowledging that the truthfulness of the accusation has not been verified and not expect a threat of legal action?

  26. KISSMYA Avatar
    KISSMYA

    THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY
    WILL IMPLODE
    DLP =DOOMED, DOOMED, DOOMED

    ST JOHN POLYCLINIC AND ALL
    Is Inniss squeaky clean ?

    who knows
    It is these kind of issues that gwine lick the DLP

  27. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Ping Pong
    If can be used to mean since, ie 1= if is true.
    2- If and its not true
    3- If and it is true or not; i.e its iffy. If I feel good tomorrow (I might or I might not)

    Lets see IF the PM will intervene here. Will it be 1 2 or 3 LOL

  28. well said! Avatar
    well said!

    Well said Ping Pong: “Is it reasonable to make and disseminate an accusation while acknowledging that the truthfulness of the accusation has not been verified and not expect a threat of legal action?”

  29. Question Avatar
    Question

    @ Ping Pong: Dr. Ishmael had to come out on a limb in order to prove his point. He will emd up on the right side of the track at the end of the day. I know both and Sparman is a sleeze at best and a convicted fellon at worse.

  30. Random Thoughts Avatar
    Random Thoughts

    Dear GP:

    If you don’t behave yourself I’ll tell Mac Fingall and Tre vor Eastmond that you are trying to steal their jobs.

  31. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    May Barbadians heed the exhortation of Philippians 4:8.

    “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

  32. Random Thoughts Avatar
    Random Thoughts

    If as Dr. Ishmael writes the European Union funded a cardiovascular care center 6 years ago, why does the center not exist and what has become of the EU’s money?

    Mayhe the persons who were the BLP Ministers of Health (and Finance) in 2004 or one of their many supporters can answer this question.

  33. Commander Avatar
    Commander

    @ Ping Pong , a few sworn affidavits would clarify the whole matter in due course.

    Also most people do/did not know the depth of the accusations vs Sparman in the earlier court case. By the way the majority of the issues brought up by Ishmael are not disputable and they are in every case each able to cause a medical practitioner to lose his license. And unlike hearsay that is a fact. I gather that Sparman’s case against Ishmael does not even dare touch those allegations.

    It is also not the first time that such a complaint has been made against him of this nature ……………… again just once is grounds for removal or sanction. I by the way know of another. It is therefore reasonable for the QEH Dr. to highlight the moral and ethical background of this man. It has also correctly caused Bajans to ask how could he practice here as a cardiologist and an interventional one at that with this criminal history and no certification or passed exams to show his competence. The public now duly has to know why Medical Council has not struck him off. Medical council’s ability to strike him off by the way supercedes any court judgment on his immigration matter.

    Why can someone make false claims about their qualifications and retain a license?

    How can one be told to cease from using a title (FACC) by said medical council but yet one is allowed to continue using it, misleading the public for financial gain?

    In our society Doctors are held in esteem and are held to high standards. These begin at medical school, starting at admission …………… no known criminals allowed. It also continues when getting provisionally registered for the first time and then also having completed internship and going on to full registration, a doctor must keep his/her nose clean. It is further maintained by the law which allows medical council the discretion to remove/sanction/suspend anyone who after registration is involved in a criminal case or shows poor ethical judgement. For this reason medical practitioners are allowed to do things like sign passport forms etc. Based on our rules, his previous and more current fraud and this man’s penchant for lying or withholding data that he full well knows is relevant he should not be allowed to retain registration.

    Another thing is that Medical Councils and boards all over the world uniformly want to know the following:

    1/ Your primary degree, where from and when etc.

    2/Your secondary qualifications as above.

    3/ Do you have any major malpractice/negligence cases against you?

    4/ Have you lost any?

    5/ Have you ever been sanctioned/disciplined by a medical board or council?

    6/ Are there any pending or ongoing medical council cases against you?

    7/ Have you ever been struck off of a medical register?

    8/ Do you have any criminal convictions or ongoing criminal cases?

    How many of these questions were answered when he was allowed a license?

  34. David Avatar
    David

    @Commander

    Help BU to clarify this point. If as you articulated Dr. Sparman has so many strikes against him why the hell did BAMP/Accreditation Council give the green light on him being able to practice in Barbados if their decision supersedes all else?

  35. Commander Avatar
    Commander

    @ David

    Unlike the Bar association BAMP does not have that sort of power. The medical council does. How good were their background checks when he first applied ………………… I dunno.

    However having realized (I assume that they did) these issues they should have acted in the interest of Barbadians. That is just my opinion of course. I have seen medical Council reverse decisions it had previously made once they showed that they made a mistake or did not have all of the info. Why did it not happen in this case? I dunno.

    Please note something, due to our archaic laws any registered practitioner can attempt any procedure without being a specialist. However the real problem will come when something happens to the patient ………….. eg a certain young female lawyer dying on the table recently which made the news.

    However it is fraud and considered grossly unethical to to lie or misrepresent one’s skills, training and certification. I have seen people kicked out or denied entry for that. I would just love to know what is so special about this case.

  36. Commander Avatar
    Commander

    Let me just make something clear. The case with the lawyer was to do with 2 different Drs in case someone thinks I meant Sparman and they are not familiar with that recent coroner’s case.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    Thanks Commander

    For the record can you list the names of the members of the medical council at the time Sparman’s entry was approved and other relevant info as to its workings?

  38. David Avatar
    David

    Here is an article which a little relevance. How often are council members elected? What powerbase does this council have in the scheme of things? What law/rules support the workings of this body?

    Medical Council Urged To Re-Examine Its Role
    By Joy-Ann Gill

    Published: July 28, 2009

    PICTURE

     

    The members of Barbados’ Medical Council pose with Minister of Health, Donville Inniss ( fourth left). Pictured from left are Professor E. R. Walrond; Chief Medical Officer (ag.), Dr. Kenneth George; Dr. Stephen Moe; Dr. Opal Gibson; Deputy Chairman, Dr. Michele Lashley; Dr. Tracy Archer and Dr. Sean Bernstein. Missing are council members Mr. Winston Crookendale, Dr. Philip Gaskin and Dr. Curtis Alleyne.

    This country’s Health Minister is proposing a wider role for the local Medical Council, that includes advising his Ministry on how to provide better oversight of the medical profession.

    Minister Donville Inniss met recently with members of the Medical Council and recommended that the body identify, among other things, challenges confronting it and the best way forward to address grievances against the medical profession. He said:  ‘It is important that we seek to raise the bar to go beyond seemingly mere registration of doctors."

    While also underscoring the importance of the Council’s role in the public domain, the Health Minister gave the assurance that his Ministry would "undertake to strengthen all Councils under its remit through the provision of an adequate secretariat".

    Currently, there are five such Councils operating under the ambit of the Health Ministry and serviced by staff of the Ministry. They are the Medical Council, the Paramedical Council, the General Nursing Council, the Dental Council and the Pharmaceutical Council.

    The Medical Council is a body corporate which was established on November 1, 1972, in accordance with Section Three of the Medical Registration Act, Cap 371. This Act authorises the Medical Council to register suitably qualified persons as medical practitioners.

    It also makes provision for disciplinary proceedings to be instituted against any medical practitioner who is guilty of an offence under Section 12 (1) of the Act. For this purpose, there is provision made under the Medical Registration Regulations, 1972, for the establishment of a Disciplinary Committee, as well as a Complaints Committee, comprising members of the Medical Council to deal with complaints against any medical practitioner.
    A new Medical registration Bill is to go before Parliament shortly. Among the new features will be a provision for the registration of specialists within the medical profession.

  39. David Avatar
    David

    Here is what Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart had to say back in 2004 as shadow Attorney General on the machinations of the Sparman immigration matter at the time.

    Time for appeal expires – Friday 24, December-2004


    GOVERNMENT can no longer appeal the decision handed down by High Court Judge Madame Justice Elneth Kentish on October 15 in the case against cardiologist Dr Alfred Sparman.

    That’s because the six-week period to give notice of appeal against the ruling had elapsed, said Shadow Attorney-General, Senator Freundel Stuart.

    He told the WEEKEND NATION Government should not allow the decision to stand unchallenged.

    “We, in the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), are concerned since the decision seems to us to alter fundamentally the status of the Chief Immigration Officer so far as that status relates to the exercise of his powers under the Immigration Act.

    “The law as we understand it is that the Chief Immigration Officer or the Minister of Home Affairs, exercising powers under the Immigration Act,do not have to give reasons for any decision made.”

    He said the rationale for that immunity had to do with protecting national security.

    Stuart added that if the Chief Immigration Officer or the minister had to give reasons to people who had been asked to leave Barbados, intelligence received by either would not beprotected and national security mightbe undermined.

    The attorney pointed out that under the Administrative Justice Act, the Chief Immigration Officer was not required to give reasons for his decisions.

    He argued that the court’s ruling reduced the Chief Immigration Officer to the status of a “statutory ornament” since his decisions might no longer be protected from review.

  40. David Avatar
    David

    Dr Sparman has a very nice website.

    http://www.thesparmanclinic.com/

  41. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    On reading the letters, at first instance my thoughts are that

    1) It was hasty, unnecessary and ridiculous for Dr.Ishmael to be suspended, on the basis of a letter which seeks to explain his opinion of matters that pertain directly to his role at the QEH.

    2) The bringing of a suit against Dr.Ishmael seems ill advised, as others have not above, I doubt that the doctor would have stated claims in the latter that are not supported by factual evidence from the USA and also as noted above, confirmation of conversations between the DMS, consultant, indeed also by the patient’s wife of what occurred, would surely cliafy facts on the second issue raised i.e. alleged attempt to subvert due process at the QEH cardiac care unit.

    Therefore, it leaves me wondering seriously as to the capability of the Management and Board of the QEH to manage that institution.

    The allegations in the letter could easily have been dealt with internally, if factual by one means, if not factual, by another.

    That the authorities have taken the bulldozer road rather than ‘true Management’ of the issue, is a serious indictment on their capacity to manage the institution.

    As above commentor noted, ‘grandstanding’ appears to come to mind, but do understand that Barbados is past the stage of grandstanding and want action, not nonsense.

    It is worthy to note that Dr.Ishmael does address a few requests made previously for the cardiac care unit, which have obviously fallen on deaf ears.

    A warning to those who have the reins (and a warning with the best of intentions). Look at the result of your actions and expected result. If the result is bad, your decision process is faulty and you need to reexamine your decision.

    The actions subsequent to Dr.Ishmael’s letter (now that we have seen the letetr) i.e. suspension and threatened suits, are rather revealing.

    And worrying too.

  42. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Just to clarify, on the issue of a suit being brought against Dr.Ishmael based on the letter above, my question is,

    what jackass advised that a suit be brought?

  43. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @jack spratt | December 22, 2010 at 8:02 PM | . Trust me, a judge CAN be sued for damages due to delinquency. Also believe me when I say that a judge HAS been sued for damages due to delinquency. Also, believe me when I say that even if the matter has to go to the CCJ, that is where it will go. And trust me when I say that judicially Barbados is the sick man of the Caribbean and it must be abundantly clear by now that the Barbados judiciary can expect no favours at all from its CCJ colleagues, all of whom are being brought into disrepute by the Barbados judiciary.

    But, I digress from the main topic here. It seems to these tired and extremely experienced old eyes that if Dr Sparman has lied about his credentials and patients have relied on his representations (note that I say “if” as it is as yet unproven) a massive class action may be brought against him by the people treated by him at his clinic. Also, please note that this class action can be extended to the clinic itself which, if proved, would be vicariously liable. I fear that $20 million might not be enough to cover this kind of liability and that no way would any insurance company accept liability for it, so these boys could find themselves on their own.

    I also note that the Barados courts may not necessarily have the right to claim jurisdiction in such an action, as we have seen that one of these cases involves a visitor to our shores. So, at the expense of the Bajan taxpayers, the QEH may well find itself defending actions in other jurisdictions. Lovely!!!

    In suggesting a list of possible commissioners for integrity legislation, BU/David has provided a list of the top lawyers that would be suitable to prosecute such a class action, if brought. In a case like this, there is every liklihood that the insurance companies of those who have medical insurance would foot the bill for such a class action. Be also very aware that if the QEH is complicit in any way, it too may find itself legally exposed..

    By the way, one contributor has taken pains to point out that the name of the director at the QEH is Dolores. Child of sorrow. I note also that the name of one of the dark witches in Harry Potter is Dolores Umbridge, a high official at the Ministry of Magic who specializes in unacceptable practices. Just a litte note of interest for the BU family and for my good friend GP to chew over (and hopefully use creatively).

  44. David Avatar
    David

    A point was made earlier that Ishmael’s accusations directed at Sparman’s past record are all in the public domain. Are we sure? Some of the documents appear to be minutes of medical board meetings which would not have been readily available.

  45. jack spratt Avatar
    jack spratt

    Amused,

    I am now convinced that you are merely a dilettante when it comes to law. What class action suit are you talking about? What is the harm suffered? Also can you refer me to the alleged Commonwealth case where a judge was sued for delinquency?

  46. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    Random Thoughts

    “If as Dr. Ishmael writes the European Union funded a cardiovascular care center 6 years ago, why does the center not exist and what has become of the EU’s money?”

    What Political party was in office six years ago?
    The Barbados Labour Party!
    You want to know what has become of the EU’s money?
    No doubt in a former Barbados Labour Party official’s secret offshore bank account!

  47. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    Which party was in Office when Sparman was licenced?
    The Barbados Labour Party!
    Which country is Sparman from?
    Guyana.
    Which Political Party fought tooth and nail to keep Guyanese legal and illegal in Barbados?
    The Barbados Labour Party!
    Who is really responsible for the events now unfolding?
    The Barbados Labour Party!
    Not excusing Inniss.

  48. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @jack spratt | December 23, 2010 at 7:15 AM | Where did I say it was a Commonwealth case, although it is? It is a BARBADOS case. I am awaiting a copy of the originating documents and statement of claim. THEN, you will know all about it. If, in the meantime, you feel impelled to find out more, get a list of the names of current High Court judges, take yurself to the Registry and see if there are any action WITHIN THE LAST YEAR filed against any of them. Till then, don’t make these transparent attempts to impugne me. Oh, by the way, if you do actually check with the Registry, why not share the fruits of your labour with all of us who read BU?

  49. Commander Avatar
    Commander

    @ David

    I am not sure what the makeup of the council was at the time of Sparman’s first entry to Bim or when he had the initial court trouble. I am not sure how to get that info without causing great suspicion. The fact is though that council members come and go and several have done so during the time period that Sparman has been here. I also would not know how many times matters relating to him have been brought up.

    The functioning of the medical council has always been a sore point as they are given no administrative staff of their own, no stipends and very poor or absent legal advice. It is in fact cases just like Sparman’s that they may have been frightened to touch with a barge pole. Several good cases against physicians brought by the public or other physicians ahve been thrown out due to the lack of a proper full time legal mind. Guys come with their big up attorneys and a few big words leh go and then council backs off. Or council does something wrong procedurally, an i dotted the wrong place or whatever and then the case fails on a ‘technicality’. I am aware that BAMP has been begging for full time legal counsel on the council which I still think is absent in the drafts for the new Medical registration act …………… so there will be no improvement there. If you recall the general consensus among lay people was that the island’s cardiologists were rich, elite and did not want this man on their turf and were trying to crucify him. The collapse of Government’s case (or as you have shown above the lack of prosecution of it) would have made matters worse for them in the eyes of the public to come after and strip him of his licence ………………. I would have though.

    It is also sad that in too many cases professionals in this country are willing to put aside their professional knowledge and ethics to please some politico or superior. Case in point would be the allegations regarding the DMS in this present case. So the question would again have to be asked what other external pressures were present.

    In the past few years I know of at least 2 cases where the Ministry or political directorate sought to implore medical council to investigate/remove 2 doctors or sanction them. In one case which was this year I fully agree the other case was a 50:50 from my standpoint. But I must ask why can the powers that be do that in only certain situations?

    What is so special about this Sparman?

    Another thing David, the Medical Council is governed my the Medical Registration Act which is about to be replaced by another. Members are appointed by the Minister. A quota (I think 2) are nominated by BAMP, most are direct ministerial nominees, one is is from UWI and the Chief medical officer is also there but I think without voting rights. Each member has a 2 yr stint and there is a limit for the number of continuous stints one can serve, I believe 2 terms in a row max. One can be nominated again at a later date. The chairman is supposed elected by the members from amongst themselves.

  50. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    Is Sparman a Cardiologist in Guyana as well?
    If not, why not?

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