By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands has warned the Davis administration against making a “historic blunder” by building a new hospital on an “environmentally sensitive site”, saying the decision will have serious long-term environmental consequences.

In a statement yesterday, Dr Sands again urged the government to reconsider the plan and instead prioritise rebuilding and improving the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

“The new health care facility proposed by the government on New Providence fails two tests: one related to health care and the other related to environmental protection,” Dr Sands said.

“Because we have limited green space in New Providence, we should protect such spaces. The government is foolishly intent on building a large facility on an environmentally sensitive site that also has various levels of contamination.” 

“We can protect this green space and improve health care.  We do not need to make a false choice. Both can be done. Indeed, preserving the green space would be good for public health.”

Dr Sands also noted the prime minister’s frequent international trips, where he often advocates for climate action. 

He accused him of hypocrisy, saying the government’s healthcare plans directly contradict his stance on environmental protection.

“Once again, his words do match his big talk and rhetoric. His hypocrisy is stunning and disturbing,” the FNM chairman added. 

He called on the prime minister to uphold his moral responsibility to future generations.

“If he proceeds with this environmentally disastrous policy, he will have shown that his previous statements on the environment and sustainability were mostly public relations, empty promises and rhetoric, and profiling on the world stage,” he said.

“It is not too late to rethink this policy, which is bad in terms of health care and the environment. The government should apply financial resources to rebuilding PMH instead of making what will undoubtedly be one the prime minister’s biggest blunders in office.” 

The Davis administration has championed the new hospital as a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the country.

Set to be constructed on a 51-acre site at the Perpall Tract Wellfield, the hospital will feature a 200-bed facility offering specialised services such as a neonatal unit, imaging, pathology, and telemedicine.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has repeatedly defended the project, insisting the hospital site is suitable and will serve the Bahamian people well.

“I assure the Bahamian people that the site that we have chosen is an excellent site for this facility. It’s on high ground and to make it even more important, swamp and flooding mitigation will be a part of this entire development,” Dr Darville said on Friday.