During a routine press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed the public’s concerns regarding the recent handover ceremony of St. Jude Hospital. In response to opposition claims questioning the hospital’s readiness, Pierre firmly stated that the facility is fully completed and has been officially transferred to the Ministry of Health for commissioning. He highlighted that key sections of the hospital, including the administrative block, kitchen, laundry, and physiotherapy ward, are already operational, with a significant portion of the hospital’s equipment having arrived. Pierre emphasized that the hospital is poised to become a modern healthcare facility, with commissioning and accreditation processes set to occur concurrently. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of these processes.
When questioned about his confidence and that of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) ahead of the December 1 elections, Pierre expressed his faith in divine providence and the electorate. He pointed to the government’s documented achievements, including a 34-page booklet detailing their accomplishments across various sectors. Pierre urged the public to allow the SLP to continue its work, citing their proven track record of delivering on promises. Additionally, he reaffirmed his commitment to granting Saint Lucians a VAT-free day in December if re-elected, attributing this possibility to the government’s strong revenue performance. Pierre explained that the economy has exceeded expectations, enabling the government to return a portion of the revenue to the public as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the nation’s economic success.