The newly Renovated Hospital in Bequia was officially opened this morning.
It was renovated under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), a regional poverty reduction programme managed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The renovations were undertaken following a community meeting hosted by the BNTF in May 2008 at the Community High School, in Bequia, where the conditions at the hospital were highlighted as a most pressing concern for residents of the island.
Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Mrs. Darran Newman-Belgrave, BNTF Portfolio Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank, commended the residents of Bequia for their participatory approach towards the renovation works.
She also commended the government for its commitment to the improvement of access to quality health services for all citizens.
Mrs. Newman-Belgrave said the newly renovated building features lighting which requires less power, contributes to savings and adds to a soothing environment for patients.
Work on the hospital renovations began on August 26th, 2013 and was eventually completed at a cost of EC$1,127,000, comprising a grant of EC$878,000 from the Caribbean Development Bank and matching funding of EC$249,000 from the Government.
