Former Deputy Chief Magistrate’s Demands Probe Into Grand Bahama Care Home Claims

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – One day after the standoff between Home Away From Home owner Marvie Knowles and Philippa Carey grabbed headlines, a former deputy chief magistrate and attorney is speaking out and demanding a full probe into the matter.

Rengin Johnson – Former Deputy Chief Magistrate and Practicing Attorney
“It is very sad that elderly people or people who are disabled are taken advantage of in respect to their money and property, and I believe they should be protected.”

That’s former Deputy Chief Magistrate Rengin Johnson expressing her concerns about a case that has caused outrage in Grand Bahama.

Grand Bahamian Philippa Carey told Our News yesterday that she placed her ailing grandmother—whom she refers to as her mom—into a care facility in 2023 after finding a job on another island.

However, upon returning to the island, Carey claims she found Home Away From Home owner Mervie Knowles living in her family home.

Her mother, who she says has dementia, remained at the elderly care facility. Carey also alleges that Knowles informed her that her mother had signed over her NIB pension and survivor’s death benefits and had given Knowles power of attorney.

The situation sparked protests, with dozens of people demonstrating outside the Home Away From Home facility on Thursday.

Johnson is among those demanding action and calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Rengin Johnson – Former Deputy Chief Magistrate and Practicing Attorney
“Some of the things that I have heard really relate to elderly persons who not only have dementia but are also blind. Therefore, whatever they are asked to sign should not be treated as lawful.”

Johnson also criticized the attorney who certified the documents.

Rengin Johnson – Former Deputy Chief Magistrate and Practicing Attorney
“I think as attorneys, we should make more inquiries and ask questions when we are asked to prepare any document that will take away the rights of the person they are using—someone who does not understand what’s happening—and hurt the members of the family.”

A joint statement from the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting confirmed that an investigation into the matter will be launched.

Johnson is advising others in similar situations to seek legal recourse.

Rengin Johnson – Former Deputy Chief Magistrate and Practicing Attorney
“They do have the right to bring the matter to court for the court to declare that there has been an act of forgery, and the persons should be put into sentence.”