A disciplinary hearing is set for Thursday to determine whether Psychiatrist Dr Griffin Benjamin breached any rules in his role as Director of the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital.
Dr Benjamin, a Dominican national, was sent on leave with full pay after what the Ministry of Health described as serious concerns arising from a formal complaint.
He is represented by Attorney Radford Hill and two other lawyers. His daughter is also part of his legal team.
The case stems from an investigation into the August 2025 admission of an American University of Antigua (AUA) student to the psychiatric facility. The young woman was ordered by a magistrate to be confined for up to 14 days under medical supervision after reportedly experiencing mental health difficulties. She was discharged after 12 days.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph confirmed the matter has entered the legal stage, and the ministry will not release the findings of its internal report.
“It’s now a legal matter, and we have to wait on the legal process,” he said, adding that the ministry takes the conduct of healthcare professionals seriously.
In a letter placing Dr Benjamin on leave, the Permanent Secretary instructed him not to perform official duties or enter government health facilities, offices, systems or records. He was also directed to return all government property and remain in Antigua and Barbuda unless granted written permission to travel.
Central to the allegations is the reported administration of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication said not to be on the government’s formulary or obtained through official procurement channels. There are also claims that patients were charged $150 for the drug outside established systems.
However, sources say the medication has been used in Antigua and other OECS territories and appears on regional formularies, raising questions about procurement and oversight.
The ministry has stressed that the action taken is precautionary and does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
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So, BECAUSE it was an AUA student why all of this hoopla took place?. How long the families of local patients have spoken out about the ‘ craziness’ that takes place in that institution. How long have the staff cried and protested about the working conditions.
… And all because Dr Griffin Benjamin stood up to Health Minister [sic] Molwyn Joseph.
Antigua already has a shortage of medical practitioners on the island, and yet, this “political” intervention by Joseph seems to be about who’s boss.
A ridiculous waste of litigious resources by the ABLP once again!
Moreover, one looks forward to our Health Minister alsso being held to account for his involvement in the procurement and implementation of the banned and highly dangerous AstraZeneca Covid-19 mRNA vaccines on unsuspecting Antiguans.
I BET THIS DOESN’T END UP IN COURT?
Absolute double standards…