With the Liberta clinic temporarily shuttered, several vital services regularly provided there have been shifted to the St. Paul Empowerment Center.

This relocation has sparked a wave of public criticism, raising concerns that Member of Parliament for St. Paul, E.P. Chet Green, stands to benefit financially from this arrangement.

In response to these allegations, the Ministry of Health organized a press conference on Friday, at which Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph addressed the contentious issue directly.

During the conference, he explained that Permanent Secretary Ina Dalso-Henry authorized the decision to utilize the St. Paul Empowerment Center for these essential services.

Additionally, Minister Joseph emphatically asserted that MP Green has not received any financial gain from this decision, seeking to quell the growing unease within the community.

“I can confirm to this public that there was no solicitation on the part of the Parliamentary Representative, who I understand manages that facility. There was no solicitation for compensation. In discussing this matter with the Parliamentary Representative, he thought that he had a duty to support the nurses and the function of vaccination and other services in the community,” the Health Minister stated.

“I also want to say that it is quite appropriate for people in the community to raise questions concerning the use of that facility or any other facility,” the minister adds.

At the Empowerment Center, a range of vital health services are being offered, including thorough HPV screenings and vaccinations designed to protect individuals from human papillomavirus infections.

During a recent visit, Sir Molwyn took the opportunity to emphasize the unwavering commitment of both his government and the Ministry of Health to eradicate cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda by the year 2030, expressing hope and determination in their mission.

In a related update, the St. Paul MP told listeners during his radio program last week that he has not received any financial compensation for using the center, highlighting his dedication to public service and community health.

Additionally, the Liberta Clinic is among several healthcare facilities currently undergoing significant renovation works, aimed at enhancing their capabilities to better serve the community’s health