ACC charges two HSA public servants

(CNS) UPDATED: Nick Smith (57) from George Town and Dominic Dacres (41) from Spotts, who both work at the Health Services Authority, have been charged with various criminal offences relating to an Anti-Corruption Commission investigation. The two public officials were charged last week, the ACC said on Monday in a brief statement about the case.

The ACC has not said which inquiry the charges relate to, but in June 2018 the two men were arrested in connection with an overtime scandal at the hospital. That inquiry began following an HSA internal audit that resulted in the suspension of the Cayman Islands Hospital’s security team. Shortly afterwards, Smith and Dacres, who are said to have worked in the department dealing with security, were arrested.

Smith has been charged with breach of trust under the Anti-Corruption Law and two counts of false accounting, contrary to the Penal Code. Dacres faces one charge of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception contrary to the Penal Code. The men have been bailed to appear on 24 September.

Responding to CNS inquiries about the two men the Health Services Authority (HSA) officials said that the internal investigation into overtime claims and payments in its security department was concluded and it would be taking the next steps in its internal disciplinary proceedings.

“As it is the policy of the HSA to not discuss HR matters in the public domain and as this now involves criminal proceedings initiated by the Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Authority will provide no further public statement. The HSA will continue to assist the ACC as needed,” officials added.

It is understood that both men were suspended from their jobs following their arrests 15 months ago and have been on leave with full pay since then.