The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sparked significant controversy by awarding a one-year contract worth EC$144,000 to Grace Walters, a Hospital Administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward, to advise on healthcare system reforms. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and was disclosed by Opposition spokesperson on health, Daniel Cummings, at a New Democratic Party (NDP) rally in North Union. Cummings criticized the appointment, questioning Walters’ qualifications and performance as a hospital administrator, and suggesting that the funds could have been better utilized to hire three top-class nurses. He also highlighted ongoing issues in the healthcare system, such as the lack of nurses in certain clinics and the poor conditions at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration and management, is tasked with supporting the implementation of healthcare quality and patient safety standards, planning the transition to the Arnos Vale Acute Care Referral Hospital, and advising on procurement and information systems. Despite her credentials, Cummings argued that the appointment reflects nepotism and a lack of seriousness in addressing the country’s healthcare needs. He pledged that an NDP government would prioritize healthcare, ensuring properly staffed facilities with adequate medication and equipment. The controversy underscores the political tensions surrounding healthcare reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the ULP defending its decision and the NDP vowing to address systemic issues if elected.
$144,000 contract between gov’t, Walters a ‘disgrace’ – Cummings
