In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid defended the government’s decision to expand the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Enmore Clinic site, emphasizing safety and accreditation concerns. The decision to bypass the old general hospital at Jemmotts Lane was influenced by the risks of storm surges, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Dr. Duguid highlighted the importance of meeting stringent accreditation requirements for hospitals, which the Jemmotts Lane site could not satisfy due to its proximity to the shoreline and vulnerability to storm surges. He cited the example of Black River Hospital in Jamaica, which suffered significant damage from a storm surge due to its location. The $390 million expansion project, facilitated by a loan agreement signed by Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott, will include a bridge connecting QEH to the Enmore Clinic site. Dr. Duguid also addressed concerns about the Harrison Point facility, which experts deemed unsuitable for hospital accreditation due to its infrastructure limitations and the need for patient transportation between buildings. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of Barbados becoming a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), describing it as a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for accessing concessional funds. This move, he noted, would benefit not only the government but also businesses and individuals, providing a line of credit when needed.