PM warns against extortion on Spanish Town Hospital redevelopment project

In a stern address at today's groundbreaking for the redevelopment of the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine, Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a firm warning to potential extortionists eyeing the project. 

Born in Spanish Town, Holness emphasised his personal connection to the area and declared a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities during the 24-month life cycle of the project, which is a partnership involving the Jamaican Government, Inter-American Development Bank, and the European Union.

The $5.5 billion project will see a new state-of-the-art hospital being built. 

"I want to say it loud and clear that we have already started to work with the JDF [Jamaica Defence Force] and the JCF [ Jamaica Constabulary Force]. This will be a military camp if it must be," Holness asserted, sending a strong message to those contemplating illegal activities.

He vowed that the new hospital project would not fall victim to criminal elements, emphasising that taxpayers' money should not support criminal endeavours.

The Prime Minister underscored the government's commitment to eradicating any attempts at extortion, illegal control of the site, or misuse of funds. 

"Taxpayers' money can't come here and people have names on lists who don't come to work, collect money, and then use it to buy guns; it cannot happen," he declared.

With plans to perfect anti-gang legislation, Holness made it clear that the government has learned from past experiences where criminals infiltrated public projects. 

"So those who have it in their minds, stay far away from here, don't put your eyes on this one," Holness warned.

- Ruddy Mathison

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