[UPDATED] RESCUE AT ELDERLY HOME: Tobago authorities remove residents

THE THA’s Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, the Tobago Regional Health Authority and the police swooped in on Tuesday afternoon to rescue and relocate residents of a seniors’ home.

In a statement on Tuesday, the division’s communications unit said the home, which is on Store Bay Local Road, was allegedly in breach of the Private Hospital Act.

It added “evidence of adverse conditions were discovered which necessitated urgent action.”

The unit gave no further details but said the division also took steps to ensure the residents were medically examined and relocated to alternate accommodations on Tuesday, “and further enquiries are being made.”

The unit said family members have been informed.

“The division will continue to be in contact with them to provide the necessary updates, therapeutic counselling, medical and social support to both family members and residents.”

The unit said the matter is considered “one of great urgency and importance and the division remains committed to providing the necessary intervention and support to those affected.”

When Newsday visited the home on Tuesday, emergency health service attendants were removing some of the wheelchair-bound residents. Police officers had also shut the main gate of the premises, preventing people from entering.

A plastic basket overflowing with clothes was seen near the entrance. There were also a number of black garbage bags packed with clothes and other items on the ground.

One male resident who was unable to walk, was removed from the home by a woman who lifted him into her arms and carried him to a wheelchair outside.

The operation to relocate residents started in the mid-afternoon and was still ongoing after 6 pm, with three residents in wheelchairs on the lawn awaiting transport from the emergency services.

A woman who came out from the home while speaking on her cellphone became irate when she saw the Newsday photographer.

“I am not involved in this, don’t take no picture. I don’t want to be involved in this,” she screamed as her eyes became filled with tears.

Police later intervened and asked Newsday’s photographer to leave so as not to exacerbate the situation. Our photographer complied.

A man who lives near the home, told Newsday he was unaware that there was a senior citizens’ home in the community as there is no signage.

He said that last week, he saw a group of doctors in the area who said they were going to visit a home.

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection Dr Faith BYisrael did not want to comment on the development.

“Unfortunately, we have no further comment at this time. We are working on ensuring that everyone is safe and secure and so forth. No further comment at this time. Sorry,” BYisrael said when contacted via her cellphone.

The removal of the residents of the seniors’ home came six weeks after the Children’s Authority shut down the Sylphil Home In Love, in Lambeau, saying it had refused the home’s application for licence and ordered it to cease operations.

In a statement on June 10, the Children’s Authority said, “The move to cease operations at the Sylphil Home is consistent with the authority’s efforts to ensure the best interest and overall welfare of children in care.”

That home’s manager and matron Susan Phillips-Jack insisted her home was no “fly-by-night operation.” She added the matter was in the hands of her lawyers.

This story has been updated to include additional information. Read original below:

THE THA Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, Tobago Regional Health Authority and police swooped in on Tuesday to relocate residents of a seniors’ home on the island.

In a statement, the division’s communications unit said the home was in breach of the Private Hospital Act. It said “evidence of adverse conditions were discovered which necessitated urgent action.”

The unit said the division also had the residents medically examined and relocated to alternate accommodations and further inquiries are being made.

Relatives of the residents have been informed of the situation.

The division said it will "provide the necessary updates, therapeutic counselling, medical and social support to both family members and residents.”

The unit said the matter is considered as “one of great urgency and importance and the division remains committed to providing the necessary intervention and support to those affected.”