The government has appointed Ben Emmanuel, a former cabinet secretary, as the Chairperson of the Millennium Heights Complex Board of Directors.
The board is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the operations of the island’s major health institution, and to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving health services.
During a media briefing on Monday, Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste announced the other board members, which include Dr. Alishya Eugene-Ford as Deputy Chairperson, Wenn Gabriel, former Chief Environmental Health Officer, Perry Thomas, Dr. Kenmar D’or, and Jenny Daniel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. A Union representative and a representative from a recognized Consumer Affairs Association will also be included, with both organizations expected to respond by the end of the week.
The board will also include the Director of Clinical Services and the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Damian Greaves.
In welcoming Emmanuel to the post, the minister emphasised the former public servant’s impressive track record. He stated, “The cabinet has full confidence in Mr. Ben Emmanuel’s abilities to chart the course for the future of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex.”
With Emmanuel’s extensive experience, the government is eager to collaborate with the new board to elevate services at the health institution and improve the health sector as a whole in Saint Lucia.
The minister confirmed that the government will activate Part IV of the MHMC Act to appoint an Inspector for the inspection of the Medical Complex and its premises.
Minister for Economic Development, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, stressed that improving healthcare services has long been a priority for Saint Lucians, highlighting that the Millennium Heights Medical Complex is central to these efforts. He expressed confidence that Emmanuel’s vast experience in management and public sector administration will effectively address existing issues.
Hilaire also outlined plans to resume construction of the ‘fifth finger’ of the MHMC, a project previously halted to reduce costs. He explained that following the completion of the hospital, it became apparent that it had fewer beds than the former Victoria Hospital, placing significant strain on hospital management.
Therefore, the government has mandated that the original design of the hospital be completed, necessitating the construction of the fifth finger. The project will be funded through the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).
Hilaire announced that the government has engaged stakeholders within the CIP network to support this initiative. Galaxy Real Estate, a developer under the CIP, has agreed to partner with the government as part of its corporate social responsibility, contributing USD 400,000 to initiate the process for the MHMC Board.
Hilaire stated, “In addition to the preliminary plans available, these will be reviewed and updated to reflect current material and service costs.” After estimating the project’s costs, funding will be secured from Galaxy Real Estate, other CIP stakeholders, and the government of Saint Lucia.
Emmanuel recognized his appointment and affirmed that addressing challenges at the MHMC and OKEU Hospital is a top priority. He, along with the board members, is committed to collaborating with all major stakeholders to ensure that the institutions under their governance meet and exceed their objectives.