Saint Lucia: PM Philip J Pierre receives first-hand progress report of Saint Jude Hospital

Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister of Saint Lucia – Philip J Pierre, visited the construction site of the Saint Jude Hospital, where he received a first-hand progress report of the reconstruction project. The Prime Minister marked his official visit on September 6, 2023.

The government of Saint Lucia informed the general public about the construction updates. It was informed that the construction work was completed around 12 months ago and has advanced to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) stage. It has been stated that this project falls in line with the goal of the Prime Minister of having the phase one site ready for use in the shortest possible time.

Reportedly, Prime Minister Pierre is the first Saint Lucian prime minister to secure financing for the Saint Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project. This project is being financed through the Saudi Fund for Development, along with the rehabilitation of the George Odlum National Stadium. The worth of the project was EC $200 million. The preparatory works on the phase one site resume in November 2022; since then, the contractor has made considerable progress.

It was further informed that the government of Saint Lucia acquired the financing to commence the financials of the final phase of the construction of the Saint Jude Hospital. The final phase will include securing the recommended medical equipment, hospital furniture and fixtures, security systems, and other related needs to fully operate.

The technical expertise of a diverse group of professionals is the guide of the phase one site reconstruction of the hospital.

As per the official update by the government, Cabinet members accompanied the Prime Minister on the Saint Jude visit, which are the Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development, and Urban Renewal, Stephenson King, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Emma Hippoltye; and Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs, Dr Virginia Albert Poyotte.