On page 43 of the United Workers Party’s 2016 election manifesto, the health sector took center stage: “The situation at St. Jude’s Hospital, which continues to be housed in the national stadium after almost five years of SLP rule, highlights the insensitivity of this administration to both the persons needing health services and the youth. The sick are being held in dilapidated conditions, while the young people are being denied access to sporting facilities. The new UWP government will as a matter of urgency complete the hospitals that were started years ago.”
In March 2020, the Owen King European Union hospital was completed. Doctors and nurses began the long awaited move from Victoria Hospital to the new facility. Meanwhile, as the UWP administration approaches its fifth year in office, St. Jude Hospital remains housed at the George Odlum Stadium. Shortly after the 2016 general elections, the Allen Chastannet government decided to halt reconstruction. In February 2019, work began on a new 90-bed facility, with the government arguing that the existing buildings were “not built according to hospital standards.”
The main contractor is the Overseas Engineering Company from Taiwan. The sub-contractor is locally based Fresh Start Construction Company.
At a pre-Cabinet press briefing on February 27, 2020 the permanent secretary in the Department of Economic Development, Claudius Emmanuel, updated the press on the contentious project: “With the structural frame continuing into the month of May, we anticipate that by October we will move to the next phase—mechanical, electrical and plumbing. We anticipate that by November 2020, there will be a handing over or a transition with the Ministry of Health to ensure we can have a functioning hospital that hopefully can be open to the public by Christmas 2020.”
Shortly after Emmanuel’s assurances, Saint Lucia began experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attempts at reaching the Emmanuel this year have proved difficult. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Economic Development Minister Guy Joseph visited the construction site on February 5, 2021 to see firsthand the installation of cladding panels. Days later reporters pressed Joseph for a timeline for the project as he made his way to Parliament.
“I don’t give estimated timelines,” the minister said. “When the project is completed everybody will see it . . . It is clear the project is on the path to being delivered but when it comes to timelines, I’m not in the business of giving them. Construction can be affected by unexpected hurdles.”
On the other hand Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was “very excited about the progress made.” He expressed special satisfaction with the cladding panels used. “They are produced right her in Saint Lucia,” he said. “They are more functional and will help resolve mold issues.”
The prime minister indicated that the next phase would include flooring. Dividers are currently being installed inside the structure. “We’re doing very well,” Chastanet enthused, when pressed for a timeline. “We are determined to complete the project as soon as possible.”
The original St. Jude Hospital was destroyed by fire on the night of September 9, 2009.
This article first appeared in the February 2021 edition of the STAR Monthly Review. Be sure to get your printed copy on newsstands or view it here: https://issuu.com/starbusinessweek/docs/star_monthly_review_february_2021
