The completion of the overdue St. Jude Hospital, destroyed by fire on September 9, 2009, has been a thorn in the side of three former administrations. Now, the present government faces the once-considered daunting task of completing a hospital that has bested the best – and perhaps worst – of governments.

However, in 2023, the government obtained full funding for the hospital’s completion, a milestone for Saint Lucia as former administrations failed to secure the millions required. In August 2023, the government announced that it had received a loan from the Saudi Fund for Development, just shy of XCD 200 million, to not only complete the hospital but to rehabilitate the George Odlum Stadium, which currently serves as the de facto hospital.

As the public awaits with bated breath, government announcements have portrayed a project progressing smoothly and as planned. In 2024, Parliamentary debates revealed that the hospital will comprise 12 buildings, one of which includes the former Chastanet’s attempts at constructing the hospital from scratch. By the end of last year, the contractor engaged to complete the works – CIE Ltd and its CEO, Rayneau Gajadhar – assured that the hospital will be completed and commissioned before 2025 ends.

On April 1, a documentary produced by the Independent Film Company entitled “St Jude - The Resurrection” provided citizens with the first glimpses of the almost-completed hospital. Representatives of the contractor assured that work was progressing smoothly and engaged in a walk-through of the facility to prove their assertion.

Prime Minister Pierre’s policy address for fiscal year 2025/26 also made a similar pronouncement that the hospital will be opened this year. Pierre’s announcement on Tuesday serves as further proof that, indeed, the hospital may very well be completed this year.

According to Pierre, the opening of the St Jude Hospital will be a celebration: “We won’t be opening St Jude with any coats and ties. St Jude’s opening is a celebration for the people of Saint Lucia, and everybody must go down to St Jude…this will be a dream the people of Saint Lucia wanted and Labour will deliver.”

The already jubilant crowd lit up with even more excitement at Pierre’s remarks, with one man repeatedly exclaiming: “Hallelujah” – God be praised!