The widow of former PLP Leader Freddie Wade has been suspended as administrator of Summerhaven pending an investigation of mismanagement.

Two tenants told The Royal Gazette that the majority of residents at the Smith's facility for the physically challenged are happier now Ianthia Wade has departed.

But another resident denied those claims and said Mrs. Wade deserved a fair hearing.

Mrs. Wade served as administrator at Summerhaven, on South Road, for about 21 years before her suspension about three months ago.

Acting administrator John Powell said last night he was grateful for Government's help in getting the facility in order and was pleased to see residents more mobile since he took over the position.

Mr. Powell, who is also the chairman of the Summerhaven board, said: "They are getting out a lot more and we are going on a boat cruise on August 9.

"The Government has been great in helping getting things back in order. We do appreciate it."

One long-term resident, who did not wish to be identified, said: "He (Mr. Powell) has done more for Summerhaven within the last three months than the former administrator did in 20 years. There is now a spirit of joy and freedom that can be tangibly felt throughout the building."

Mrs. Wade said she could not comment beyond the fact that she had been suspended and the investigation was in Government's hands.

She said: "This is being discussed with [the Ministry of] Labour and various administrators are looking into it. It would not be appropriate to comment on anything."

The Summerhaven Trust, which is run by an independent board, receives a government grant to assist with its day-to-day operations.

Other financial support comes from donations and a subsidy from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB), according to Mrs. Wade.

Each of the residents at the facility are responsible for paying their rent for the studio apartments. They are also provided with two meals a day and 24-hour attendant care.

The long-term resident alleged that he was unable to continue his art during Mrs. Wade's tenure. He alleged that a room he hoped to use as an art studio was filled with her personal items, which were removed when she was suspended.

He now has a renewed interest in his art and hopes to hold a show next year.

Some residents concerned that Mrs. Wade would return to Summerhaven circulated a survey to get everyone's views. According to a resident who distributed the questionnaire, 11 tenants said they were happier with the new administration.

Ten staff, in a separate survey, agreed the new administration was better. The tenant involved with the survey said: "We are quite happy now. It's like how Summerhaven was in 1984. Residents are going out every day. They are so free."

A third resident who did not take part in the the survey told this newspaper he believed far fewer people actually signed it and many others did not know what they were signing. He also took issue with the "undemocratic" way the board was functioning now and claimed the facility was moving away from independent living to being more like a nursing home.

He added: "I am not pleased with the board. Before this new board we have a resident go on it, but this board turned it down. They make decisions for the residents without informing us. Mrs. Wade had no hearing with the board and she requested that the board meet with her but they didn't."

Requests for comment from the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation and the Ministry of Labour were not responded to by press time last night.