NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Accepting responsibility for the breach of protocol, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands has tendered his resignation letter to Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis today.
The resignation comes after a shocking revelation last week that six American permanent residents were allowed to disembark a plane along with a donation of COVID-19 test swabs amidst the country’s border closure.
Sands initially told reporters that only two people disembarked the plane, advising during a press conference that he was not sure whether there were more.
However, during a national address on Sunday, Minnis revealed there were six people allowed to disembark and characterized the entry as a breach of protocol.
Sands posted the resignation letter to his Facebook page today.
“I accept responsibility for this breach of protocol,” he said.
“I acknowledge that I acted outside of 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.”
Sands said the he believes that his continued presence on the Cabinet may serve as a “distraction” from the government’s effort to manage the spread of the virus in the country.
“Hence I offer my resignation from your Cabinet”, he said.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great country.”
The prime minister does have the option to deny the resignation.
The Descision may be unpopular and without proper Authorization was well Defined.
Wow
Dr Sands did the right thing. The PM said that if anyone of his ministers brake rank he would fire them. If you commit a serious offense and you know that the police know who you are and where you live. You best turn yourself in because you can save face, serious injury or even death. In Dr Sands case political death. ??
There are two sides to this , break protocol or save lives. Let’s pray for Dr. Sands our country needs brilliant minds to come forth. Yes what he did was wrong, put yourself in his position. I thank and appreciate you and your hard working team . We need you. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Protocol has been broken,no one is above the law, as it is in this country, some of us can get away with anything.he should resign
Minnis must do what he has to do…. how hath the mighty fallen…
The minister of healthy does not have the last day when It comes to Civil aviation, customs, immigration, and the whole line of power heads he himself would have to go through before the permission can be given. That flight had to get permission before take off from the U.S. Him taking the fall, further discredits the government, total LACK OF TRANSPARENCY.