And when I say now, I mean actually happening now. And then the Prime Minister will make an announcement about the selection of the contractor,” outlined Health and Wellness Minister Moses Jn Baptiste.
The Loan Agreement was signed between the government of Saint Lucia and the Saudi Fund for Development in August 2023 and provides financing for both the completion of the St. Jude Hospital and the rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium.
The USD 75 million/XCD 202.5 million dollar loan agreement, although the first agreement between the two entities, is not irregular to Saint Lucia.
As is the case with many large scale development projects, a contractor was selected through a tender process, per the regulations of the government of Saint Lucia.
This tender process allows various contractors to make bids subject to the construction requirements as put forward by the government. These tenders may also vary in price, with one contractor charging the government one amount, while another contractor may charge the government another amount.
In these instances, it is not possible to immediately know the total cost of the project until a contractor and a bid are chosen.
For instance, a contractor may tender a bid which is below budget. Another contractor may tender a bid which will use all the funds for the project, referred to being within budget.
It is only when a contractor and bid are chosen that the government will know whether the project will be completed below budget or within budget.
The budget for this project is the total loan amount of USD 75 million.
According to Health Minister Jn. Baptiste, a bid was chosen by the Tenders Commission.
“The prime minister did make public the “no objection”, which was the final phase in terms of the procurement process.”
Sources indicate that Construction and Industrial Equipment alongside a Saudi Construction Firm were chosen for the completion of the project.
In the meantime, the Minister says the government is working to alleviate many of the concerns of patients currently at the St. Jude Hospital at the George Odlum Stadium.
The project will also involve renovating the hospital's southern, eastern, and western wings, as well as its sub-buildings.