Clarendonians ecstatic over Aenon Town health centre reopening
Published:Saturday | May 10, 2025 | 12:09 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
Residents of Aenon Town in northern Clarendon are expressing excitement and gratitude following the official reopening of the upgraded Aenon Health Centre.
The facility, which serves approximately six surrounding communities, was formally reopened on Thursday by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton.
The renovation, completed at a cost of approximately $9.5 million, included the installation of air-conditioning units, a roof repair, rainwater guttering and chain-link fencing, as well as the construction of a canopy at the entrance and a concrete plinth for signage.
Resident Antonia Mitchell, in sharing her enthusiasm about the improvements, stated: “This is a health centre that my family and I visit on a regular basis, and I am very happy for the development. This will improve the lives of many – not just for me and my family, but for a lot of persons in the community. It is more comfortable, has more space – just the whole ambience is better. Inside is very comfortable, and our visits here will be improved, and I am very grateful for that.”
The type I health facility provides critical services including child health, antenatal care, family planning, Pap smears, and home visits.
Elderly residents, too, voiced their appreciation, particularly for the dedication of the staff.
“This is my health centre. The nurses here, I love them. I just love it (the renovated facility), and I appreciate everything,” Media Deeble told The Gleaner.
Joyce Hayden, another longtime resident, expressed similar sentiments.
“I’m here 65 years now, and mi love this clinic. Every time I feel any likkle way, a them mi come to. When mi brother sick the other day, a the [nurse aides] come ‘roun a mi yard and assist mi brother, ‘cause him couldn’t walk,” Hayden told The Gleaner.
Delroy Dawson, councillor for the Aenon Town division, described the facility as a visionary establishment. He expressed appreciation for the recent upgrades, and indicated he hoped for continued improvements – specifically to the flooring.
“It’s coming from a far way. The citizens appreciate the upgrade, and they have always appreciated that clinic, but with the air conditioning now, it’s pretty comfortable. It is clean and nice – the aesthetics is really good,” Dawson, of the Opposition People’s National Party, told The Gleaner.
According to Dawson, he had been part of the planning team that laid the groundwork for the facility’s construction under the guidance of Horace Dalley, the former member of parliament. Dawson told The Gleaner that, alongside the health centre, Dalley had also advocated for the development of a library and a community centre – projects he still hopes will materialise in the rural Clarendon community.
According to community folk, the upgraded Aenon Health Centre stands as a beacon of progress and community upliftment, signalling the Government’s investment in rural healthcare infrastructure.
The Thompson Town Health Centre, also located in the parish, was officially reopened in February following a $25-million upgrade.
Tufton, addressing the audience at the event, said the near $10-million upgrade to the Aenon Town facility marked the largest investment in the location in over two decades.
“In 20 years, that kind of investment had not happened here at this facility... . That says something,” he said.
Tufton also commended Member of Parliament for Clarendon Northern, Dwight Sibblies, praising what he said was Sibblies’ advocacy for improved healthcare infrastructure across the constituency.
Tufton took the opportunity to respond to critics whom he accused of dismissing genuine progress for political reasons.
“I know we’re in the cut and thrust of the political debate, but it amazes me that sometimes we are so critical of the progress we’re making in so many ways,” said Tufton.
“It is unfortunate, because the people on the ground love what they see happening, and enjoy the improvements being made, and it not only helps the staff, but it helps those who access the facility.”
Tufton said that, under the Government’s Operation Refresh policy, strategic investments are being made to upgrade health centres islandwide. The aim, he said, is to encourage community members to use these facilities as their first point of care, rather than relying solely on hospitals.