Prime Minister visits SJH construction site
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
by Neval Auguste, GIS
THE SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT HAS COMMITTED EC$200 MILLION TO FINANCE THE SAINT JUDE HOSPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, on Sep. 6, received a first-hand progress report on the ongoing Saint Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project during a recent visit to the original construction site.

Nearing the 12-month mark since construction works resumed in 2022, the Saint Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project has advanced to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) stage, and is in line with the prime minister’s goal of having the phase one site ready for use in the shortest possible time.

Hon. Philip J. Pierre is the first prime minister to secure financing for the Saint Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project. The Saudi Fund for Development has committed EC$200 million to the Government of Saint Lucia to finance the Saint Jude Hospital Reconstruction project and rehabilitate the George Odlum National Stadium. Preparatory works on the phase one site officially resumed last November. The contractor has since made considerable progress and has primed the buildings for the remaining phases of internal works.

The Government of Saint Lucia has acquired the financing to pursue the final construction phases of the Saint Jude hospital reconstruction project and to secure the recommended medical equipment, hospital furniture and fixtures, security systems, and other related needs to fully operate. The hospital at the phase one site is guided by the technical expertise of a diverse group of professionals who have stated that the reality of an opening day is within reach.

Cabinet members who accompanied the Prime Minister on the St. Jude visit included the Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development, and Urban Renewal, Hon Stephenson King; Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Hon Emma Hippoltye; and Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs, Hon. Dr Virginia Albert Poyotte.