After sixteen years of protracted delays and political complications, Saint Lucia’s long-awaited St. Jude Hospital is progressing toward full operational status. The facility was formally transferred from the contractor to the government on November 16, 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in this protracted project.
Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, emphasized during the handover ceremony that while this transfer does not constitute an official opening, it initiates the critical phase of operational readiness. This process encompasses commissioning, equipment installation, staffing, and regulatory compliance. Hilaire highlighted that the revitalized hospital will feature advanced diagnostic capabilities, enhanced patient safety protocols, energy-efficient infrastructure, and optimized clinical workflows designed to serve future generations.
Significant progress is already evident with five key departments—Administrative Centre, Laundry, Kitchen, Physiotherapy, and Dialysis—now fully commissioned and functional. The project’s financial backing received international recognition through a high-level delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development, which visited the facility starting January 19. This visit included strategic meetings with the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, and project contractors. The Saudi involvement stems from a substantial $75 million loan agreement established in 2023 to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, noting that several departments are already operational. He reflected on the journey toward delivering a fully functional medical institution for southern Saint Lucia residents. Despite these advancements, health authorities have not yet provided an official timeline for the hospital’s complete commissioning, leaving the public awaiting definitive operational dates.