Leader of the political opposition United Workers Party (UWP) Allen Chastanet, has staunchly defended his administration’s decision to allocate EC$1 million for a consultancy assessing the feasibility of the old St. Jude Hospital versus constructing a new facility in the island’s south.
Speaking at a UWP political meeting on Sunday, March 16, 2025, which was broadcast live on Facebook, Chastanet emphasized that the consultancy, conducted by FDL Consult Inc., was recommended by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to ensure a thorough and professional evaluation. He contrasted this with the current Pierre administration’s authorization of a separate, cost-free consultancy, which he claimed lacked the depth and expertise of the previous assessment.
Addressing criticisms by the Pierre administration, which had previously dismissed the new hospital design as merely a “box,” Chastanet pointed out that the government had now decided to utilize part of the modernized facility in its plans for St. Jude Hospital. He contended that had work continued under his administration’s plan, the transition from the George Odlum Stadium to a permanent hospital would have occurred over three years ago, potentially saving taxpayers over EC$150 million.
Chastanet also addressed past criticisms leveled against his administration regarding its plans to introduce a national insurance scheme aimed at ensuring all Saint Lucians had access to medical care and treatment. He noted that the same Pierre administration that had dismissed the proposal is now rolling out a Universal Health Care plan, which mirrors the UWP’s original vision.
The reconstruction of St. Jude Hospital has been a protracted issue, with the facility tragically destroyed by fire in 2009. Over the past 15 years, successive governments have collectively invested over EC$300 million into its reconstruction, yet the hospital remains incomplete.
