The Browne’s Avenue Clinic has officially reopened in a temporary location at the former Holberton Hospital, following an opening ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, joined by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Stacey Gregg-Paige and Acting Principal Nursing Officer Clarissa Christopher, presided over the event. Pastor Olson Daniel of the Swetes Wesleyan Holiness Church delivered prayers and blessings for the facility.

photo by Everton Barnes

Sir Molwyn defended the government’s earlier decision to renovate parts of the Holberton compound—an initiative he said had once been criticized as wasteful.

“Well, today we stand here and the evidence is clear. It has been renovated to the point where we can facilitate a clinic temporarily. Additionally, just next door will be the home of the sickle cell patients—for the first time in the history of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, noting that patients will now have access to overnight care at the site.

photo by Everton Barnes

The relocation became necessary after conditions at the Browne’s Avenue facility deteriorated, prompting a Cabinet decision to transfer services to Holberton. All services previously offered at Browne’s Avenue will continue at the temporary site.

photo by Everton Barnes

The clinic is one of two facilities—along with the All Saints Clinic—closed for major repairs and expansion.

Since assuming the Health Ministry portfolio in 2014, Sir Molwyn said, the government has invested millions in restoring and expanding primary healthcare infrastructure. He recalled a 2014 review that found every public clinic in the country had been neglected for years.