Minister for Health, Moses Jn Baptiste, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing and commissioning the long-delayed St. Jude Hospital before the end of 2025. His comments come ahead of Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament, where health sector progress is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
Describing the project as a “bone of contention” for years, Jn Baptiste stressed that the Philip J. Pierre administration has remained steadfast in its promise to deliver a modern, functional facility to the people of the south.
“Our government has demonstrated that we keep to our promises. We said if elected back into government, we would complete the St. Jude Hospital,” Jn Baptiste stated.
According to the minister, physical works on the hospital are now in their final stages, with many rooms already outfitted with furniture and medical equipment. He confirmed that several key appliances and pieces of hospital machinery have already arrived in Saint Lucia and are currently being installed.
“I was there two weeks ago and the physical works are almost complete. Furniture has already been put in many of the rooms where work has been completed. Equipment—some of it is already in Saint Lucia and being installed,” he explained, noting that he has personally seen the progress.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has previously indicated that the transition into the new hospital will take place before the end of this year, a timeline Jn Baptiste reiterated with confidence.
“We keep to our promise that we are going to transition the hospital before year end. In terms of the St. Jude Hospital, we are keeping our promises,” the minister emphasized.
The St. Jude Hospital reconstruction has been one of the most contentious national projects in recent history, plagued by delays, cost overruns, and political disputes across successive administrations.
