Bahamas Health Minister, Dr. Duane Sands

The Official Opposition in the Bahamas is calling for an independent probe into the events that led to the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands.

Dr. Sands resigned late Monday night after accepting responsibility for allowing a private aircraft to take some nationals into New Providence, in spite of the closure of the country’s borders.

In his letter of resignation, Dr. Sands referred to what he called the unfortunate controversy surrounding the delivery of COVID-19 test swabs and the landing of permanent residents under what the Prime Minister called a breach of protocol.

Opposition Leader Phillip Davis says resigning is just not enough.

Mr. Davis said yesterday there must be consequences for what took place, even though Dr. Sands resignation comes at a bad time.

The Prime Minister in his address to the nation referred to the issue last Sunday.

At the time Dr. Hubert Minnis promised a statement from the Health Minister.

Prime Minister Minnis declared there was a breach of protocol and it was 6 and not 2 persons who were allowed in.