Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says his new administration will remain focused on completing major national development projects while ensuring fair and respectful treatment of the parliamentary opposition.
Speaking on Monday during a pre-Cabinet press briefing since the December 1 general election, Pierre outlined a slate of infrastructure priorities he said will largely mirror those of the previous term, with an emphasis on transparency, continuity and timely delivery.
“This year our priorities are going to be basically the same in terms of the unfinished projects,” the Prime Minister said. He confirmed that work on the Hewanorra International Airport terminal remains a central focus, noting that activity is already underway on critical components of the project.
“Work on the air traffic control tower is happening as we speak, and work on the [airport] terminal, we’ve done it the right way,” Pierre stated. “It’s an international tender, and these tender documents have been opened and they’ve been evaluated right now. So the tender is going to be a very transparent process, no direct awards.”
Pierre said the government expects construction on the new terminal to begin early in the new year, once the Tenders Board completes its process. “We await the decision of the Tenders Board, and we’ll start an even newer international airport terminal early in the new year,” he said, adding that runway and airside improvements will also continue into 2026.
Several other major infrastructure projects are also set to advance. According to the Prime Minister, work on the Sir Julian R Hunte Highway is moving into the next phase. “The consultants, the engineering work is being done, and very soon tenders are going to go out for contractors,” he explained. “Funding has been secured, so we expect work on the Gros Islet Castries Highway to start in the first three months of next year.”
On the health front, Pierre said the long-awaited St. Jude Hospital is nearing full operation. “The building has been completed, commissioning is taking place, equipment is being put in and the full commissioning of the hospital will end most likely in the first three months of next year,” he said.
He also confirmed continued progress on the Halls of Justice project, stating that construction is expected to last two years. “The House of Justice should be ready by the year 2027,” Pierre noted. Meanwhile, the Northern Police Headquarters is expected to be occupied soon. “The police will move in that building in the first quarter of next year,” he said.
Education infrastructure is also on the agenda, with extensions to several school buildings scheduled for completion by the start of the new academic year. “By September, the new school term, all these buildings should be complete and students should be enjoying these new premises,” Pierre said.
He further disclosed that planning for the fifth wing of the Owen King EU Hospital is progressing. “I’ve been informed by the board that work is progressing in terms of the plans, and we think work should start on that fifth wing in the first six months of next year,” he stated.