The Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is protesting again; this time, they are calling for the reopening of the Castries Health Center.
The facility has been closed since December 19, 2023.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs had announced the temporary closure for mold remediation, citing the need to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients. Since then, residents seeking medical care have been redirected to the La Clery Health Center, and other facilities.
Newly introduced UWP Candidate for Castries East, Peter Chiquot, spoke to reporters outside the heath center on Tuesday morning, “All we want is the health center to be reopened. That’s all we’re asking. Where will the elderly and the sick people in Central Castries go?” Chiquot asked, expressing the growing frustration with the prolonged closure.
Adding to Chiquot’s concerns, Rosh Clarke, UWP’s candidate for Castries Central, voiced his concern over what he described as government negligence. “The people of Castries are frustrated with this government’s lack of concern towards healthcare. Enough of the theatrics !” he said.
Clarke criticised the administration’s focus on non-essential issues, “What we need is a proper medical facility,” he said.
In response, Lisa Jawahir, the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) spokesperson, defended the government’s commitment to healthcare.
She says the SLP supports citizens’ right to protest but pointed to the administration’s progress on healthcare projects.
Jawahir acknowledged the challenges with the Castries Health Center’s aging structure, which has been in need of repairs for years. “This structure has been in existence for a very long time. Even as a child, I used to go to the Castries health center, and significant work needs to be done to that building.” She added that the Ministry’s focus remains on public health and safety.
Jawahir also suggested that the UWP protest was contradictory, given the party’s own track record on healthcare facilities like St. Jude Hospital.
The SLP spokesperson said she was baffled that the ones who paused work at St. Jude Hospital were engaging in a protest.
The UWP has indicated that it will continue its advocacy until the community regains access to healthcare services in Castries.
I really miss the Castries health centre ee… convenience, speed and list can go on..la clery is so crampt..
“The SLP spokesperson said she was baffled that the ones who paused work at St. Jude Hospital were engaging in a protest.”
This is why we can never go forward as a country. The UWP is not in power. The St. Lucian people decided years ago to replace them with SLP. Instead of giving a reason as to WHY the Health Centre is still closed, you talking nonsense about St. Jude’s. WHO ASK YOU ABOUT ST. JUDES!? TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WHAT YOU ARE NOT DOING! OR, give us answers and a timeline for when the Health Centre will be open again.
Did the UWP repair or refurbished any health center during their reign in office? What was their achievement during their time in office in the health system?
Oh, by the way did they use the CIP money towards the health system?
Just asking.
Keep it close but renovate or tear it down THAT PLACE WAS HORRIBLE. Why didn’t The United Worthless under their tenure since they give so much of a damn ?? Do you think Chastanet or any of offspring would ever be caught near Castries Health Center in its present state or state of the art state oh hell no, they would rather the world learn of their demise elsewhere besides “ Castries Health Center” . @m. That applies to you too…..bout you miss Castries Health Center get out of here, yeah right you miss it just like you miss Kenny. Oh Really I have to go home to exercise my civic duty I am leaving you in charge. Leave my lemons alone……alright pick a few.