A Police investigation into the management of Summerhaven is still open, and the dispute between former administrator Ianitha Wade and the facility's board continues.

Mrs. Wade, the widow of former PLP Leader Freddie Wade, was suspended by the Board of the Smith's facility for the physically challenged in May because of mismanagement.

In September, Acting Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Nelson Bascome released the findings of an internal audit via a press release that found "numerous inefficiencies, deficiencies and irregularities" in the facility's accounting procedures.

According to Mr. Bascome the report found no financial mismanagement by former Summerhaven Administrator, Mrs. Wade and Government ordered the Board to return her to the administrative position to receive their grant.

At the time of the report, Mr. Powell said the organisation would be seeking legal advice and would turn the matter over to Police.

Three months later Mrs. Wade is still not the administrator of Summerhaven and Mr. Powell said yesterday: "The dispute between Mrs. Wade and the trustees is ongoing and the investigation is still in Police hands."

The Summerhaven Trust is run by an independent board and receives a Government grant to assist with its day-to-day operations as well as donations and a subsidy from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Each resident at the facility must pay their rent for studio apartments and the are also provided with two meals a day and 24-hour attendant care.

The update on the Summerhaven investigation comes after complaints were e-mailed to this paper and other news organisations from one of the residents.

In the letter, the resident claims that the administration and management failed to call an ambulance for one man for 36 hours and he subsequently died.

He also complains that at night, call bells are placed out of reach or are switched off for "complaining" residents, regulations are not adhered to and the administration or staff and those who complain are victimised.

Staff allegedly argue and fight in the hallways, management and staff are verbally abusive and physically rough to certain residents and board members continually breach confidentiality, discussing resident issues with other residents.

Finally the resident also complains that their bus sits parked most of the time, as the Board made the position of bus driver redundant and they have been told the bus can only go out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Yesterday Mr. Powell refuted all of the allegations saying three surprise visits to Summerhaven in July, August and September by the Health Department revealed happier residents.

And signed statements received by this paper from seven staff members and 12 of the residents also refuted the abuse complaints.

Mr. Powell added: "The bus goes out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday because it's for dialysis. It's not supposed to go out every day but this young man has to go to work. So it is out today. (Thursday)

"The fellow (who died) would not go to the hospital. His family could not convince him to go to the hospital and they would not send the ambulance if he refused.

"We were told that by the ambulance crew. If that (the abuse) was going on the Health Department would have removed me immediately.

"We have has three reviews in July, August and September where they go around to the residents. The report said that it's a lot better, that the residents are coming out more and doing more and that the residents are happier.

"We're having a Christmas party next Friday and we had a huge Thanksgiving party. I would welcome an investigation."