The Tribune

By Keile Campbell

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE owner of Bahama Grill is demanding public clarification from health authorities, accusing the Ministry of Health and Wellness of fuelling damaging speculation about his restaurant by issuing a vague statement amid viral social media claims and not providing an update.

Eric Gibson Jr said a press release issued by the ministry on March 18 — acknowledging an investigation into a reported death allegedly linked to a foodborne illness — has led to public assumptions about his establishment without any direct allegation or official communication.

“I think it’s very irresponsible of the ministry to make a loose statement like that, given the circumstances, what was going on with social media comments, and not be extremely clear as to what was going on,” Mr Gibson said.

The ministry’s statement, which followed the circulation of claims related to Bahama Grill, confirmed only that officials were “aware of reports circulating on social media” and had “commenced an investigation regarding the reported case”. No specific restaurant was named.

Mr Gibson said no ministry official has contacted Bahama Grill regarding any complaints, illnesses, or deaths. “Bahama Grill has not been advised by any ministry. Nobody came to Bahama Grill to say they got sick. Nobody came to Bahama Grill to say somebody died,” he said.

Calling the unubstantiated allegations a “malicious attack” on his business, Mr Gibson launched a $5,000 reward for credible information identifying those behind what he claims are false statements. He said his legal team is reviewing tips received and has shared them with police.

“It’s incumbent upon them to come back and say what those test results were,” he said, referring to the Ministry of Health. “People’s minds will suggest positive or negative. What you need to be doing is pressing the Ministry to get a final from them.”

The release itself noted that clinical matters fall under the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while environmental and sanitation matters are handled by the Department of Environmental Health Services under the Ministry of Environmental Health and Natural Resources.

Ministry of Health officials declined to comment on the status of the investigation yesterday.