LEE
PORTMORE'S MAYOR, George Lee, said that ground is to be broken this year for the construction of a hospital in Portmore, St. Catherine.
The Mayor said an agreement is being worked out for the building of a 200-bed hospital for the municipality, at a cost of US$40 million (J$2.6 billion).
"We have had extensive discussions with a company from the Cayman Islands and have developed a Memoran-dum of Understanding, and by the end of April, the company should complete all the requisite surveys and studies which would be handed over to the municipality," said Mayor Lee.
POSITIVE RESPONSE
The idea for a hospital has been discussed at several community meetings, Mr. Lee said, and the residents have responded positively. However, the mayor stressed that before the conclusion of an agreement, several other public hearings would be held to gain the widest possible public view on the matter.
"The Caymanian company has been carrying out surveys with citizens
to determine the type of hospital required and the services to be offered, and a report is expected by the end of this month which would guide further actions," the mayor said in an interview with JIS News.
He pointed out that about 70 per cent of persons surveyed were in favour of the hospital, with some residents expressing concern about the cost of the health services to be provided. The private hospital will have some public features.
