The Brown-Darrell Clinic is advertising for a medic — but it does not seem any closer to opening its stem cell facility.

It would appear likely the new recruit, a family physician with a wide range of clinical experience, will work in the medical facility on the first floor of the Winterhaven clinic, although the people behind the project have refused to confirm this will be the case.

Premier Ewart Brown, wife Wanda and California-based Stemedica, who are teaming up for a stem cell treatment and research project on the second floor, have failed to respond to any questions about the launch of the controversial practice which is now several months behind schedule.

Last month, Bermuda was dropped from a list of research centres on Stemedica's website, with company vice president Dave McGuigan explaining that the Island's name had been placed alongside Switzerland, Korea, Mexico and Russia as an "oversight". Brown-Darrell had initially said work would begin in late fall last year.

In countries such as the US, UK and Canada, stem cell research is heavily monitored and legislated. George Daley, president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, says he is very sceptical of anyone running experimental treatment in jurisdictions where there is no regulatory oversight, such as Bermuda. He has warned desperately sick patients who could be heading to the Island not to be misled into believing the treatment is a miracle cure.

Brown-Darrell has pledged to welcome and encourage legislation consistent with the international protocol practised by countries engaged in stem cell work, but has repeatedly failed to respond when asked if it will postpone opening the stem cell side of its operation until such legislation is in place. The Ministry of Health has repeatedly refused to say whether any stem cell legislation will be introduced in Bermuda.

In July, the Premier told healthcare leaders in Boston that stem cell transplants would be available at Brown-Darrell in the near future. However, Dr. Brown, Mrs. Brown and Stemedica will not confirm when this will happen, if at all.

They also refuse to say whether their search for a lab manager was successful, and what kind of work would take place at the stem cell clinic.