KINGSTON, Jamaica – There’s a major twist in the ongoing saga involving two prominent neurosurgeons at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), with the hospital publicly backing its Medical Chief of Staff Dr Carl Bruce, who alleges that he has been defamed by Dr Roger Hunter.

According to Bruce, Hunter has defamed him by claiming that he owns shares in Medical Technologies Limited which he insists is not true.

In a statement Monday, UHWI expressed “grave concern” over what it said are “defamatory and unsubstantiated” allegations made by Dr Hunter, against Dr Bruce, consultant neurosurgeon at UHWI.

Apart from the defamation claims made by Bruce, he was charged last month with malicious destruction of property and assault at common law for a reported attack on Hunter who was preparing for surgery at the time, according to media reports. That matter is set for trial in September as Hunter, who reportedly stated that he was dissatisfied with how UHWI handled the matter, has refused mediation.

Both sides were warned when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court not to post about the case on social media. But, Bruce is now accusing Hunter of defaming him and the UHWI has come to his defence.

Chief Executive Officer of the UHWI, Fitzgerald Mitchell has condemned what he said are public comments made by Hunter in relation to Bruce.

“The management of the UHWI stands firmly in support of Dr Carl Bruce, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Medical Chief of Staff. Professor Bruce is a highly-respected medical professional whose qualifications, experience, and contributions to healthcare in Jamaica and the wider region are unquestionable,” said Mitchell in a statement.

“Recent suggestions seeking to cast doubt on his credentials or imply that he holds positions that create a conflict of interest are both inaccurate and misleading. Dr Bruce is not a shareholder, nor a director in any company that compromises his duties at the UHWI. His professional integrity and commitment to patient care and public service remain exemplary,” Mitchell added.

Continuing, Mitchell said, “Dr Bruce has served the institution and the nation with distinction, and we continue to value his leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of neurosurgery and the broader medical field.”

Mitchell said the UHWI remains confident in Dr Bruce’s ability and continues to benefit from his outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery, teaching, and institutional development.

According to Mitchell, the UHWI “remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of medical integrity, professionalism, and patient care. We stand firmly in support of Dr Bruce and his longstanding contribution to healthcare in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean”.

In the same statement issued by UHWI on Monday Bruce said: “I do not own, and have never held, shares in Medical Technologies Limited, nor are any shares being held on my behalf, either directly or indirectly, by anyone associated with the entity or otherwise.

“In my professional capacity, I have provided consultation and conducted due diligence in the health sector from time to time. Any attempt to malign my work or disseminate false narratives linking me to ownership of Medical Technologies Limited is defamatory and will be subject to appropriate legal recourse”.