PM slams PNM over Port of Spain hospital opening

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has accused the former People’s National Movement administration of carrying out what she described as a “con job” by opening the new Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital in March 2025 before the facility was ready to become fully operational.

Persad-Bissessar made the remarks while responding to a question from Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young on when the Central Block would be operationalised.

The Prime Minister said she was “amazed and flabbergasted” by the question, arguing that the previous administration had officially opened the building despite significant work still being required.

She described the facility as remaining “a major construction site” and questioned the decision to hold an opening ceremony before the hospital was ready to begin full operations.

The Central Block was officially opened on March 10, 2025, during the final days of the former PNM administration under then Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

At the time, former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh described the project as having reached functional completion. The facility was expected to provide 540 beds, including medical, surgical, paediatric, psychiatric and critical care accommodation.

During the 2025 opening ceremony, officials also highlighted new technology intended for the facility, including digital systems for patient records and prescriptions.

However, Persad-Bissessar said the building was opened long before it was ready to serve the public fully.

Despite her criticism of the previous administration, the Prime Minister assured that work is now under way to complete the necessary preparations and bring the Central Block into full operation.

She did not provide a specific operational date in the remarks, but indicated that the Government was working towards completing the outstanding requirements needed for the facility to begin serving patients.