Dear Editor,

I am compelled to express my outrage at the recent statements made by Senator Janice Allen, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St James Central, regarding the Cornwall Regional Hospital rehabilitation project.

During the opening of the administrative block at the hospital, Senator Allen audaciously claimed that after spending $22 billion there is still not a functioning hospital in Montego Bay. In my opinion, this assertion is misleading and seeks to undermine the significant progress being made in our health-care system.

Let me set the record straight. While the estimated overall cost for the complete rebuilding of Cornwall Regional Hospital is indeed upwards of $22 billion, the total amount spent to date is approximately $9 billion. As of May 2024, the Government has invested $3.5 billion in the rehabilitation project across all three phases, as confirmed by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton.

Her comments disregard the complexity of the project, which began as a response to a faulty ventilation system causing noxious fumes and moisture at the facility, which has evolved into a comprehensive renovation. This extensive effort includes the complete stripping down of 10 stores buildings and the replacement of every single window, door, ward, and operating theatre. This is not just a renovation, it is the construction of a brand new hospital for the people of western Jamaica, particularly St James.

In her remarks, she also questioned the absence of the Member of Parliament (MP) Heroy Clarke during the opening. However, it is essential to highlight that the Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, who is also a councillor in the same constituency and whose division encompasses the CRH hospital, was present at the event, along with several members of the MP’s executive and management team. This allowed the MP to attend equally important meetings in Kingston on behalf of the people of the St James Central constituency.

I urge Senator Allen and her colleagues to stop this campaign and engage in constructive discussions about the future of health care in this region. The community deserves better than political rhetoric that seeks to undermine the progress being made for the benefit of all.

Christopher McCurdy

Kristophe60@hotmail.com