Prime Minister Godwin Friday has declared that constructing a new Parliament building in Beachmont, Kingstown—a project initiated by the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) government—is not a priority for his administration. Instead, the New Democratic Party (NDP) government will focus its resources on completing the US$78 million hospital currently under construction in Arnos Vale.
Speaking on Hot 97 FM, Friday confirmed that the national assembly will continue to convene at the Temporary Parliament Building in Glen for the foreseeable future. This stance reaffirms the position he established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the then-government secured a US$20 million loan for the parliamentary complex.
Friday, who led the NDP to a decisive 14-1 electoral victory on November 27, reiterated his long-held view that given the country’s financial constraints, a new Parliament building should not be the primary focus—especially when the proposal emerged during a global health crisis. He emphasized his philosophy of directing funds where they are most needed, stating, “put the money where the pain is,” particularly when citizens were experiencing significant hardship.
The historical Parliament building in Kingstown, which has served for two centuries, last hosted a session on June 1, 2023. The aging structure, located across from Market Square, requires extensive repairs. Notably, the High Court continued operating on the ground floor through July 2024 despite issues with mold and woodlice infestation.
As both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Friday expressed that a comfortable chair suffices for conducting government business until improved fiscal conditions allow for such infrastructure projects. His administration will also advance plans for a national health insurance system, having already discussed implementation with the National Insurance Services CEO. Friday argued that accessible healthcare is fundamental, stating that without such a system, it effectively tells citizens they’re on their own when illness strikes.