The Bahamian government has initiated a significant healthcare infrastructure enhancement project on the island of Abaco, formalizing two distinct contracts to address long-standing medical facility needs. This development marks a substantial step forward in post-hurricane recovery efforts and improved healthcare accessibility for local communities.
Health and Wellness Minister Michael Darville announced the comprehensive plan, which features the construction of a completely new 1,200-square-foot medical clinic in Cherokee Sound. This modern facility will specialize in delivering primary healthcare services with particular emphasis on geriatric care and chronic non-communicable disease management. The clinic will be equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and maintained by a dedicated team of nursing professionals and support staff.
The construction contract for the Cherokee Sound facility is valued at approximately $266,000, incorporating a 15 percent contingency allocation. Project specifications encompass complete electrical systems installation, climate control infrastructure, plumbing works, and comprehensive exterior landscaping with hardscape features. Ministry officials anticipate project completion within a four-month timeframe.
Minister Darville emphasized the critical nature of this development: “Similar to numerous regions within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Abaco hosts a substantial elderly population confronting chronic health conditions. Ensuring timely access to essential medical services remains our paramount objective. We are particularly enthusiastic about our collaborative partnership with P.A.R Construction principals.”
Hartman Albury, representing P.A.R Construction, provided historical context regarding the long-delayed project, noting that initial development efforts began in 2012 with subsequent stagnation following Hurricane Dorian’s devastation. Progress until recently had been predominantly dependent on community fundraising initiatives and private donations.
Concurrently, authorities executed a secondary contract addressing structural repairs at Cooperstown’s medical clinic, where weather-induced deterioration—originating from Hurricane Dorian—had rendered the main entrance inaccessible. This necessitated alternative emergency entry usage for both patients and medical personnel. The government opted to terminate the original contract and commission a new $10,000 agreement specifically for entrance restoration.
Deavelo Russell of D &L Construction, overseeing the Cooperstown project, confirmed that rehabilitation work would require approximately two weeks to complete. Russell highlighted community sentiment: “This rectification holds immense significance for North Abaco residents, particularly elderly patients who have persistently advocated for proper facility access rather than utilizing rear entries.”