NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Dionisio D’Aguilar, on Wednesday expressed that he does not believe the recent criticisms of the medical services offered on the island of Bimini, following a fatal shooting earlier this week, will significantly impact the country’s tourism industry.
D’Aguilar admitted, however, that some work needs to be done to improve family island medical facilities.
On Sunday, 47-year-old businessman Alain Perez was shot at his residence in Bimini and later died at the island’s clinic.
Following the incident, his friend and lawyer, Juan Carerres, spoke to an American News organization and said that there were Veterinarian clinics in the United States that were more equipped for saving his friend’s life, when compared to the clinic in Bimini.
The accusation brought into question whether persons would reconsider travelling to Bimini or to other islands of The Bahamas, out of fear that they would not receive the proper medical attention if injured.
But on Wednesday, D’Aguilar said in a country as small as The Bahamas, to have a hospital with the facilities that they [some tourists] are requesting, is financially a challenge.
D’Aguilar reiterated that even though Sunday’s incident was unfortunate, it is not a cause for concern for the tourism industry. He added, however, that it does propel the government to take a stricter look at improving the medical infrastructure on some islands.
“As our country progresses, and as our country develops, of course our infrastructure will improve and you know events like this may cause us to bring focus to this,” the tourism minister said.
“But you know, every island is screaming for a clinic, is screaming for an airport, and you know the government does what it can do with the resources it has, and certainly our people do not want to pay any more taxes.”
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