By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville said long-delayed renovations to the Rand Memorial Hospital morgue are now expected to be completed within weeks, after what he described as a manufacturer’s error stalled the project.

Dr Darville addressed the issue on Friday while speaking during the annual Governor General’s visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama, following renewed public concern earlier this month when a temporary reefer trailer used to store bodies collapsed and had to be replaced.

“Our morgue facility was delayed tremendously because of an error from the manufacturer who sent us a system that could not fit the renovated space,” he said. “There have been back-and-forth negotiations, and finally the problem is corrected, and we are back on track, and in a matter of weeks, we believe that this particular morgue facility will be installed and completed, and will provide the service that has definitely affected our loved ones who we are responsible to take care of even in death.”

The new morgue facility has been under construction for more than two years. A $1.6m contract for morgue upgrades and related renovations at the Rand Memorial Hospital was signed in June 2022 with Pinnacle Investment Company Limited. The project, which was intended to modernise the morgue and expand its capacity, was originally scheduled to be completed within six to seven months.

Dr Darville acknowledged that broader capital works at the Rand have faced significant obstacles.

“There have been many setbacks, frustrations, and challenges, but I want to let the people of Grand Bahama know that even though they are not completed, we are moving rapidly to complete this work before our term in office is over,” he said.

He also said renovations to the hospital’s modular units were ongoing and are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

“We will restore the dignity of the final chapter associated with the issues associated with those modular units,” he said.

Beyond the morgue, Dr Darville said progress was being made on other healthcare infrastructure on Grand Bahama. He reported that a contract has been awarded for the renovation of Davies House, which will expand oncology and mammogram services and allow patients to receive care on the island.

He also said construction of the Freeport Health Centre remains on track, with phase one scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026. Phase two, which will include inpatient surgical suites, urgent care facilities and beds intended to eventually replace Rand Memorial Hospital, is expected to proceed following a tender process in early 2026.