People’s National Party (PNP) caretakers in the five St. James Constituencies have taken issue with another possible delay in the completion of the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s rehabilitation project.

During a tour of the medical facility on Tuesday, Consultant Project Manager for the rehabilitation works, Vivian Gordon, said the completion is contractually slated for April next year, but the quantity of work may push that timeline to five months later.

This possible September timeline has not been well-received by the PNP, especially Caretakers Nekeisha Burchell of South St. James, Dr. Andre Haughton of West Central St. James, Senator Janice Allen of Central St. James, Allan Bernard of North West St. James and Rushelle Reid-Knott of East Central St. James.

The Caretakers have jointly condemned any further delay in the project, which is now in its eighth year.

Stressing the importance of the hospital, Senator Allen said the facility is not just a building; it is the heartbeat of public health in western Jamaica.

Her sentiment was echoed by Ms. Burchell, who highlighted the concerns of citizens over the lack of easy and timely access to basic healthcare.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bernard has called for the Government to be more realistic about the completion timeline.

He is also demanding that the Andrew Holness-led administration issue a formal apology to the citizens of western Jamaica for the delay.

In light of substantial funds already invested and the prolonged delays, the PNP is also doubling down on its call for the Auditor General to conduct a special audit of the rehabilitation project to ensure Jamaicans’ tax dollars are not being mismanaged.