Culture Minister Olivia Grange - file photo
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Attorney Bert Samuels, who is representing the Rastafarian man shaved at hospital
Culture Minister Olivia Grange has written to Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, requesting an investigation into the case involving the elderly Rastafarian man whose beard was reportedly shaved off by staff at the Linstead Public Hospital in St. Catherine.
Last month attorney, Bert Samuels, who is representing the 78 year old man, William Holmes, told Radio Jamaica News that his client's constitutional rights were violated.
Mr. Samuels said his client's religious practices and dietary habits were detailed to hospital staff when he was admitted on April 26.
In a statement, the Culture Minister said the allegation is deeply troubling.
Miss Grange said she had been informed that the beard of the Nyabinghi Elder was cut without his consent.
She said the Health Minister has been asked to investigate the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident as it is not the policy of the Government to cut the hair of members of the Rastafari faith who seek medical attention at public facilities.
Mr. Samuels has given the administration of the Linstead Public Hospital until Friday to provide a report on the circumstances which led to Mr. Holmes being shaved.
He said the hospital missed the previous deadline of last week to submit the document.
According to the attorney, Mr. Holmes' family is upset about how he was treated at the facility and transferred him to another hospital.
Mr. Holmes and his family are demanding an explanation and apology from the Linstead Public Hospital. He is also seeking damages.
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