Ambassador Tao Attends Construction Site Handover Ceremony of the Climate Smart JNF Hospital

On December 12, Ambassador Edward Ling-wen Tao, accompanied by Second Secretary Hsien-Yu (Billy) Chung, attended the site handover ceremony for the new JNF General Hospital, witnessing Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew formally transfer site management to the Overseas Engineering Company (OECC). Other attendees included Ambassador Leon Natta-Nelson, Permanent Secretary of Health Curtis Martin, JNF Hospital Director Jenson Morton, and OECC Director Darwin Unalivia.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Drew noted that the government has approved the hospital’s design and construction permits, and that the handover marks the official commencement of construction. Designed to meet modern healthcare and climate-resilience standards, the hospital will comply with all medical, environmental, and regulatory requirements. He further emphasized that the project will generate employment opportunity during construction and, once completed, will enhance national preparedness through a state-of-the-art, resilient healthcare facility.

Prime Minister Drew expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and former Ambassador Michael Lin for their strong support, reaffirming the vital role of the Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis partnership in advancing the country’s healthcare development.