Health Minister Patricia Minors? tirade towards the Salvation Army raise a number of questions about the judgment of both the Minister and the Government.

The Army is seeking funds from Government to rebuild the rapidly deteriorating homeless shelter on North Street. More than 25 years old, and funded by Government and the Army, it is well past its sell by date.

For some reason, the Government ? prior to Mrs. Minors? appointment ? decided to cut the Army?s grant, which has put its ability to run its programmes, including putting the shelter in jeopardy.

Mrs. Minors seemed to explain why in her late night statement in the House of Assembly when she said the Army sent some ten percent of the money it raised in Bermuda to its parent organisation.

This was denied by the Army, although it is true that when the Army raises money for a specific cause ? hurricane relief for Grenada in 2004, for example ? then clearly that money goes overseas. But the general funds the Army raises stays here.

Mrs. Minors has not recanted her statement since it was denied, and has failed to explain whether or not the Government will assist the Army.

She should either back her statement up with facts or withdraw it.

With regard to the Army?s general situation, she should explain what Government?s policy is towards it, so that it can determine its future. It is worth remembering that if the Army did not offer services like the shelter, the Harbour Lights programme, and so on, then Government would probably end up doing it. The odds are good that it would do it less well than the Army does.

But this episode suggests that all is not well in the Health and Family Services Ministry. The ongoing rows with Hope Homes are one example. The decision earlier this year to incorporate the National Drugs Commission within the Ministry because it would be more efficient and effective only to have it spun off to the new Drugs Control Ministry within six months is another.

Against that there are achievements, not least the long-awaited appointment of the Bermuda Health Council. But the row with the Salvation Army makes you wonder just what is going on in that Ministry.