350 local workers to help build new Hospital

The construction of the new Acute Referral Hospital in Arnos Vale, is expected to be completed by a local workforce of 300-plus workers.

Preliminary work on the healthcare facility got underway earlier this year with a completion timeline set for 32 months.

Ambassador of Taiwan to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Fiona Huei-chun Fan, spoke about the project during the 113th National Day Celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 8, 2024, at the Kingstown Baptist Church.

Describing infrastructure development as a cornerstone of the 43-year relationship between the two countries, Ambassador Fan said the hospital represents more than just a significant financial investment, adding that 350 local workers are estimated to be involved over the project duration.

“We aim to create job opportunities and assist in training skilled workers within St Vincent and the Grenadines. I emphasize again, it is local workers only we are hiring. No workers from other countries.”

Back in July, SVG signed an agreement with the Taiwan firm, Overseas Engineering and Construction Company, (OECC), to commence work on the construction of the Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale, after negotiating an almost $100 million loan from the World Bank.

This move garnered much criticism from the Opposition during a recent House of Assembly sitting.

The estimated total cost to construct and equip the hospital is US$110 million.

Ambassador Fan said Taiwan is “proud to join collectively with financial loans” in the construction work and building a trained workforce.

She said also that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1981, the relationship between both countries has been one of “mutual growth and prosperity” in many sectors including health, agriculture and education.

Ambassador Fan announced a Young Farmers Training project specifically designed to engage the youth of SVG in agriculture, and will cover topics such as seedling production, high-value crop cultivation, and vertical farming.

“This Young Farmers Training Project will equip the next generation with cutting-edge skills … ensuring long-term food security and self-sufficiency.”

In his address, Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves said St Vincent and the Grenadines considers the friendship with Taiwan to be unwavering, also saying that the country will always use its voice to advocate for Taiwan on the international stage.

“The bonds of friendship and solidarity go two ways, and what little we can do to help, we will always help the people of Taiwan. So, we use our voice in ways that Taiwan themselves cannot, because they have been unjustly and unfairly excluded from international bodies due to an incorrect reading of an old security council resolution.”

The gathering was attended by Governor General, Dame Susan Dougan; senior government officials, Ambassadors; Cabinet Ministers and alumni of Taiwan ICDF.