By Aabigayle McIntosh

The government is sharing more details about its plan to undertake critical repairs to several public buildings used daily by public sector workers and the wider community.

Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lionel Hurst, announced that priority will be given to repairing community health centers across the island. This effort aims to reduce reliance on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center (SLBMC) for non-emergency cases.

“When the clinics are working, there is less congestion at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center. We’re ensuring that a doctor is always present at these clinics. Four clinics have been identified for repairs by the Ministry of Works, with each project costing in the region of $200,000,” Hurst explained during Thursday’s Post-Cabinet press conference.

Approximately $1 million will be allocated for these repairs, along with additional funds to restock health centers with essential resources and equipment.

The goal is to ensure they can adequately serve the public, with most clinics expected to be operational before the end of the year.

Hurst also mentioned plans to complete the Tranquility Park Cemetery at Tomlinson by the end of 2024.

“You may have seen some wonderful photographs of its gates. Roads are now being constructed inside the cemetery. A curator will be appointed to ensure order when it begins to receive cadavers,” he noted.

Other government buildings are also slated for repairs.

The National Technical Training Center (NTTC) on Nugent Avenue will retain its first floor for emergency isolation care, while the second floor, renamed the Sir Cuthwin Lake Medical Center, will be retrofitted to accommodate Ministry of Agriculture workers currently in substandard headquarters.

Similarly, workers at the General Post Office are also expected to occupy a portion of their building while repairs are done to the headquarters on Lower High Street.

Funds from the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) will cover some of these expenses.

“The CIP has been a very successful program, raising millions of dollars. We are reserving some of these resources to address these problems,” Hurst said.