“We Don’t Want A Hospital In Our Backyards”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Stapledon residents express their feelings about the proposed hospital for western New Providence.

Other concerns expressed at the packed town hall meeting were traffic, noise pollution, and property values.

The hospital will be funded through a nearly $300 million concessional 20-year loan from China Export-Import Bank with an interest rate of two percent.

At last night’s meeting at the Stapledon School, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the facility will be a women’s and children’s hospital and include a national morgue.

Its proposed location is on 50 acres of land east of New Providence Highway.

Residents in nearby communities aren’t pleased.

Dr. Gemma Rolle, a gastroenterologist and president of the Medical Association of The Bahamas, is a long-time resident of the area. She too has her concerns about the project.

Christian Sawyer, a 20-year resident of the West Grove, says while he supports the efforts to build a new hospital, he questions the health ministry on the details of the loan.