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CMC – The groundbreaking ceremony for a new ‘green’ hospital in St. Vincent and the Grenadines took place in Arnos Vale on Saturday, with Health Minister Jimmy Prince announcing that the new facility will revolutionise the medical landscape.
“I’ve spoken to all the officials in the Ministry of Health as to what we are going to do as a result of the expansion of our health services and how is this facility going to improve the services which we have,” Prince said.
“And we have these expanded range of services to provide cardiovascular services, neurological services, neurology, endocrinology, including diabetes, thyroid specialties, orthopaedic rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, haematology, including sickle cell diseases, oncology, dental, OBGYN, among others.”
“This new facility will not only expand our health services but also introduce a new governance system aimed at improving leadership, workforce recruitment, and a data-driven approach to healthcare,” he said.
Prince added that the new facility, located just 2.2 miles east of Kingstown, is set to span 189,000 square feet and will replace the aging Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
“The current hospital is no longer fit for purpose,” said Prince, addressing the crowd gathered at the groundbreaking event held on the eve of the nation’s 45th Anniversary of Independence.
The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, originally not designed as a healthcare facility, has long suffered from structural challenges, including persistent leaks, limited space, and suboptimal location.
The new Arnos Vale hospital project, financed by a US$125 million loan from Taiwan, is expected to not only replace the current hospital but also bolster the healthcare system nationwide.
One key feature is the facility’s alignment with sustainable and disaster-resilient design principles. Prince highlighted that the hospital would incorporate smart, green technology to manage waste and mitigate climate-related risks, ensuring safety and resilience against natural hazards. The Arnos Vale Acute Referral Hospital will be among the Caribbean’s first healthcare facilities designed with climate change impacts in mind.
Construction has been awarded to the Taiwanese Overseas Engineering and Construction Company, with the facility slated for completion within 32 months.
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chai-Lung, who was present at the ceremony, shared congratulatory remarks, emphasising Taiwan’s commitment to supporting SVG’s health system as part of its broader engagement with the Latin American and Caribbean regions. This hospital project aligns with Taiwan’s longstanding partnership with SVG, underscoring both countries’ commitment to development and well-being.
Celebrations of SVG’s 45th anniversary of Independence will continue with a grand military parade on Sunday at 6:00 p.m., marking a momentous weekend for both healthcare and national pride.
