By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said the recent decision to shut down a free dental clinic in Eleuthera spearheaded by entertainer Lenny Kravitz was made after local officials discovered the clinic was not licensed.
Mr Mitchell said officials from the Dental Council lodged a complaint with the Department of Immigration in reference to the nature of the Gregory Town clinic, which resulted in the launch of a formal investigation.
According to reports, the four-day clinic began on December 11 with a team of international dentists but was shut down early on Monday.
The Fox Hill MP said officials connected to the clinic were asked to produce relevant documents on two separate occasions but could not.
“The law must be followed,” explained Mr Mitchell. “It appears that dental work was being done without a licence to conduct dentistry in the Bahamas. That is a violation of the law. No work permits had been issued for the people performing dentistry.
“The officials were called on December 12 and 14 and after no licences or permits could be produced, asked to shut down,” he added.
Mr Mitchell said there was some “back and forth” at the scene between government officials, the clinic’s sponsor and patients; however, he said after issues related to the clinic were clarified the operation was closed without any further incident.
Meanwhile, angry residents took social media to vent their frustrations, many upset with the decision to cancel an operation that they said benefitted so many.
“It’s sad to see how nasty our Bahamian people are. As far as the police are concerned they should have gone there to lock up the greedy (locals) for stirring up (expletive),” wrote one resident on Facebook.
“People (were) trying to help us, help our kin, help the less fortunate. (It) angers me. Don’t we have enough crap to deal with? Now people will think twice before offering a helping hand.”
Another person wrote: “I wish to thank (Lenny Kravitz) for what you attempted to do in Eleuthera this past week. I live in Grand Bahama and just heard through social media what happened when you brought some dentists in to give free dental work to residents in Eleuthera.
“Even though I understand you had some trouble there I want to let you know that your attempt is greatly appreciated and hope that this does not deter you from giving more assistance where needed. This is your home as much as anyone else.”
Mr Kravitz is an international singer who has a home in Eleuthera.
His mother, the deceased actress Roxie Roker, was of Bahamian descent.
The clinic’s operators could not be reached for comment.
Comments
Chucky 8 years, 4 months ago
Only in the Bahamas can the government and it's thugs shoot themselves in the face like this.
Could their be a more pathetic nation? Could we have a more pathetic mind set?
Who are these government thugs to shut down a clinic for the people? Who gave them that authority? We didn't elect them to do these kinds of things?
Guess the local dentist must have friends in government, and needed government to shut this down to protect his profits.
jackbnimble 8 years, 4 months ago
I do believe there are laws that govern these things. You don't just walk into a country and hang up a shingle to practice medicine or law without proper permits or authority from the Government and the Boards that regulate these things. Even if you are trying to help people there is a way to do it, and it's called "following the law". I don't blame them for shutting it down.
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
I hope you count yourself when going over all of the problems this country suffers from.
A free clinic for those who can't afford to get care is shut down because of pettiness. So typical of a response.
My2cents 8 years, 4 months ago
I'm sure those people would have happily signed a waiver in order to be treated. The only issue here is someone felt they were losing money and they had the connections to shut it down.
TruePeople 8 years, 4 months ago
What about the construction work that goes on round here without the proper permits coughcoughCCAcough
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
I believe everything should be done decently and in order. "In this instance", a good thing was being done, but does the end justify the mean? What if we didn't approve of what was being done, like the Chinese no permit Hilton for example, do we willy nilly chose who can ignore the rules of the country?
There is an established process to operate in every country, that every professional will ask themselves. Even Doctors without Borders must apply for permits to perform work in the most rural parts of Africa. If we were in the middle of a natural disaster some rules go out the window, but we're not in the middle of a natural disaster...well other than having to endure five years of a less than stellar administration
My2cents 8 years, 4 months ago
Unbelievable. It was a very nice gesture done without fanfare. I agree people will think twice about helping poor Bahamians.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
The Chinese went ahead without work permits. How do we determine who can and who can't break the law?
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
Well we let them keep working so going along with that, then we should have let those dentists keep volunteering.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
They started working and then they were stopped. When they started again I assumed they'd gotten the approvals....assuming
My2cents 8 years, 4 months ago
I agree, but seems like that decision is clear...only illegal immigrants and their illegal employers and shanty town landlords can. I hope that Mr. Kravitz makes another attempt at this good deed and follows the process now that he is aware of it. But considering how we bend and ignore laws to accommodate illegals and defend their illegality...I understand his confusion: charity trumps law.
Cainn 8 years, 4 months ago
You do realize that what he did was illegal... why do you always have to show yourself as being so clearly hypocritical
My2cents 8 years, 3 months ago
You do realize hiring illegals and constucting shanty towns are also illegal? The hypocrisy is the DOI and others like you i'll bet, overlook this citing shanty towns as being protected by the elite. Judges are commended for slap on the wrists for those offences and ignoring the legal penalties prescribed or ignoring these acts altogether. I also said hopefully he will follow the legal requirements and repeat this good deed that benefits the poor, and not the elites. You're actually the hypocrite here
sheeprunner12 8 years, 4 months ago
Its not the "helping Bahamians" that is the problem .................... its an FNM constituency, a service that takes money away from doctors, and they didnt get proper Govt. authorization ......... what else do you expect Fweddy to do???????????
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
Well the service wasn't taking money away from the dentists. These people never had money to pay in the first place, so they wouldn't have money for the Bahamian dentists either. Just sheer pettiness. Such little people.
sealice 8 years, 4 months ago
Lenny - Bro next time just do it at your house and no one will be able to say or do jaqschit.... thank you for doing this though nice to know someone's heart is in the right place as we have seen the gov'ts obviously isn't
Cas0072 8 years, 4 months ago
I agree it was a nice gesture. Hopefully, this incident won't serve as a deterrent for him providing assistance in the future, but as a lesson in obtaining the necessary permits beforehand.
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
It's a lesson for him an all of the dentists who volunteered that they are not wanted by the powers that be. It's a lesson for just how much the dental association and government cares about the less fortunate.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
Bahamians (dentists) First!!!
hurricane 8 years, 4 months ago
Mitchell is such a colossal ahole. Why won't he just go away?
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
I don't think we can blame Mr. Mitchell. He properly has to enforce the law and the law is clear on cases like that. I wish the law would be equally enforced in comparable situations. So I do wonder whether Music Festivals do apply for work permit for the performers. I think the issue is more that there seems to be no or insufficient infrastructure for dental treatment on many islands, and the dental professional body simply does not care. Well, seems they will get some of their own medicine once NHI is implemented by not getting paid at rates they want to see. Back to the immigration side of things, eventually there should be a general waiver for humanitarian not for profit operations, in which the performing doctors/nurses etc. don't take personal pay.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
having this said though, I was personally involved in the organization of a similar clinic and we did apply for waivers, and the immigration office just decided to kill the project by procrastination (in all fairness to Mitchell, that was under the reign of his predecessor). You always lose in the Bahamas if a trade union or special interest group goes against you.
kairosmatt 8 years, 4 months ago
While I can see how its right to require permits-the hypocrisy of these guys is sickening. They shut this down (something actually good for locals), and then turn around and let others destroy the Bahamas without permits (Blackbirds, Bimini Bay, Nygrad, Chinese, Winding Bay, whatever developments are secretly moving forward in Exuma).
Its not the permit that Freddy was worried about-its the fact that Mr. Kravitz didn't reach out to him first ($$$$)
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
you have a point. albeit I don't think Freddy would ask for cash, rather a photo op. The people asking for cash are in the administration, and that is something Freddy needs to own and correct.
Economist 8 years, 4 months ago
Has any one determined if applications were made to government authorities?
If so, when were they made and what response was given?
Also when was the response given?
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
the government authorities are in the process to alert PGC to make an announcement to the public, that communication of high importance to the public will be imminent in this matter.
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
Were these dentists being paid? Were they taking money from Bahamian dentists by working on patients who do not have the money to get dental work otherwise? So petty, so simple minded.
This country gets exactly what it deserves.
TalRussell 8 years, 4 months ago
by TalRussell
Chucky 8 years, 4 months ago
There is no shortage of things to hate about this country, all stem from results of the actions of the people.
This is such a disgrace.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
These doctors are professionals. They didn't decide on Monday to fly to the Bahamas for a clinic. Lenny travels worldwide, his manager knows wherever he travels he has to check for proper authorization. I'm with Mr Mitchell on this, there's a way to go about things.
As to signing a waiver, I know my Bahamian people, the first question that would be asked if someone died (and I know personally of a case where someone who died after a dentist visit), the first question that would be asked is, how did immigration allow this?
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
Ya, screw those idiot dentists for trying to volunteer their time so that those of us who cannot afford to pay for dental care can get help. Ya, screw them!
Most of the comments on here are to much. What a bunch of selfish, insular and xenophobic people.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
I didn't say "screw those idiot dentists". To the contrary, I said "they are professionals", and I meant it. To that extent, they know how to conduct themselves professionally. I know they know they can't go to any country, any country and just set up shop. Medical practitioners especially know that.
Chucky 8 years, 4 months ago
ThisisOurs, hey, you and I both know that everything in this country concerning approvals is just a dog and pony show. Never has their been an honest, diligent approval process for anything; not one instance where the powers that be are actually basing approvals on issues that are relevant. The approval program we have here is simple, whoever is guarding that trough must get their palm greased, or you're not getting approval! It's just that simple. There is no sense posturing and pretending that we are a prideful society with working systems of government which operate to serve the best interests of this country. That system does not and has never existed. Our country is one big fraud , and we all know it. It's just a question of wether we can be honest enough to admit and face it; something we must do first, before we can ever have a chance at changing it.
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
So why didn't the Dental Association offer to help? Why didn't they see the need for volunteers and also step up? No, they decided instead to not help and to hinder those that would. What a joke.
ohdrap4 8 years, 4 months ago
that is the way of the dental association.
you guys remember the debacle because the vets wanted to stop operations potcake?
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
This reminded me of that very thing.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
shoot them all. - I mean the potcakes.
The_Oracle 8 years, 4 months ago
And if someone had died of infection from a "Free" procedure? who would we blame? (and damn fast to blame we would be!) Obviously Government if no permits are in place. Mr. Kravitz aught to have notified the Government of his intentions, and while our current Government would have placed monetary and other under the table stipulations against the effort Permits and Authorizations should have been in hand. Government corruption and incompetence in all other areas while glaringly obvious should not be used to throw away all standards of professional operations. Goodwill and altruistic efforts are applaudable, but throwing away the rules is what has us in this national morass in the first place! I hope these Dentists were qualified and in good standing in their own country but this should be confirmed, and that is done by getting the necessary approvals from our own dental board/Government! This need justifies the end excuse is used too damn much and most often by Governments themselves to control people and private enterprise. The end result is always suffering and stagnation leaving all worse off in the end.
newcitizen 8 years, 4 months ago
What a crock of crap.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
I had a family member die after a dental visit, negative reaction to the drug used. It's not crap.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
well at least you guys could go after the dentist insurance.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
How about someone dies from a dental infection because no one treated it, or was around to treat it? You for sure sound like a government employee yourself. Last Man Standing. I salute you.
TalRussell 8 years, 4 months ago
What profession does you think has most responsible peregrination we Pot cakes?
Comrades you know them Chinese kinds doctors that does operates on we
Cadillac and other types eyes operational diseases - they just finished operating two weeks back for free lots on those eye affected Freeporters and other islanders.
If you remember the same Bahamma Medical Association, does not takes too kindly kind-heart Chinese or any other nationalities doctors flying-in lend free medical assistance we people in need doctor care - just likes they gripes like all hell over introducing BahamaCare.
Good Jesus ..... they also did publicly oppose foreigners interfering to treat our Pot cake dogs with dogmanity. - undergo spading procedures.
Comrades the next time you spot one our many peregrinated Pot cakes - you will know correct profession lay blame the puppy litters on.
Amen and Amen!
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
This was a wonderful gesture, but have you ever heard the phrase, never let your good be spoken evil of? Put first things first. Begin with the end in mind.
TalRussell 8 years, 4 months ago
Comrade I guess you done knows that most leaning on this biblical reference ain't even knows what book of the Bible you can finds it?
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 4 months ago
Google. But you don't have to believe in God or the bible to acknowledge that that book has some really good nuggets of advice
banker 8 years, 4 months ago
Easy and simple ... someone wasn't paid off.
Publius 8 years, 4 months ago
exactly
My2cents 8 years, 4 months ago
I wonder why no politician is coming out of the woodwork to ask or demand that the process for qualified professional volunteers and organizations be differentiated from the typical work permit process? And if already differentiated, that it is effectively streamlined so that projects like these are not caught up in political or permitting red tape? I guess that would mean more help for less fortunate Bahamians. This story should have sparked a national debate but it's already dead. Yet these politicians and other "leaders" spent more than a week going back and forth on a comment that had no merit or possibility of becoming law. They sure make it clear who is first in Bahamas.
GrassRoot 8 years, 4 months ago
because there is nothing in it for the politicians. voters don't have money to grease you. voters will get their free hamburger and t-shirt around the time of election in exchange for their vote. else voters are just a latent nuisance.
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