The construction of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ flagship US$78 million medical facility in Arnos Vale has encountered significant delays due to a severe shortage of skilled labor, with contractors managing to secure only approximately half of the required workforce. During a recent press conference in Kingstown, Health Minister Daniel Cummings revealed that the current workforce of 185 workers needs to be doubled to maintain the project’s original timeline.
The hospital project, financed through a US$120 million loan from Taiwan originally secured by the previous Unity Labour Party administration, has received bipartisan support despite political differences regarding its conception. Prime Minister Godwin Friday emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the facility, noting that the current healthcare system remains “woefully inadequate” and requires urgent enhancement.
Minister Cummings, who assumed his portfolio following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory in November, has conducted comprehensive site visits throughout the nation’s healthcare facilities. His assessment revealed that the skilled labor shortage extends beyond construction, affecting multiple sectors nationwide. The government is now collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop rapid certification programs aimed at addressing these workforce deficiencies within six months.
An additional challenge emerged as the government announced plans to expand the facility with dedicated maternity and pediatric wings, requiring supplementary funding beyond the original loan agreement. Prime Minister Friday expressed confidence in securing these additional resources while minimizing project delays.
The administration has identified a critical mismatch between available skills and project requirements, particularly concerning given the nation’s 20% unemployment rate. The government is implementing strategies to enhance coordination between project managers and state agencies, ensuring more efficient project execution moving forward.