Sir Molwyn finds suggestions of a cover-up in death of psychiatric patient ‘offensive’ and says the coroner is in charge

“A waste of time.” This is how many residents are describing the
press conference called by Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph on
Tuesday, November 28.

Presumably, the conference was held to address an investigation
into the death of a young woman – 27-year-old Lateefa George of
Jennings – at the ClareVue Psychiatric Hospital, and Joseph sought
vigorously to defend himself.

But since he failed to answer questions pertinent to the probe – and
about the health infrastructure, generally – residents are making
calls for Sir Molwyn Joseph to “go home.”

George died suddenly at the psychiatric hospital on the morning of
October 31, and her parents are seeking answers concerning her
untimely death.
 
Denying that there is a cover-up of the circumstances in which she
died, Sir Molwyn said the very suggestion that he would be involved
in such an action is deeply offensive to him. And he distanced
himself and his government from the investigation.
 
Rather, he said, the inquiry is being conducted according to a
coroner’s inquest, and he advised the public to get hold of
the Coroner’s Act, which was passed in 1950 and last revised in
1989.

The health minister said George and her family have been well-
known to him for years, since they hail from Jennings, his native
village.

He adds that he heard about the situation while he was away on
government business and, on his return, went to see George’s
parents at their home.
 
Pointing the finger at others, Joseph accused them of peddling the
false narrative of a cover-up and said they need to stop and be
accountable.
 
According to Sir Molwyn, an unnatural death is one that occurs in a
sudden, violent, or unnatural manner. Therefore, since George’s
death has been classified as sudden, it qualifies for handling by a
coroner under the Act. This, he said, was done.
 
As a minister, Joseph said, he has absolutely no authority – in law or
otherwise – to become involved in this matter. Further, he said,

immersing himself in it at this time would be irresponsible, since it
is not an executive matter but a judicial one.

Accordingly, Sir Molwyn said he does not understand why people
are saying he is not doing enough. He notes that he has no interest
in becoming involved in this matter, and any allegations to suggest
otherwise is absurd.

The Ministry of Health cannot investigate itself, he said; therefore, a
panel of five jurors will be empaneled to probe the circumstances
surrounding the death during the coroner’s inquest.