KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Jamaica government says it will name the Western Child and Adolescent Hospital in St. James on the island’s northwestern coast, in honour of former prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, in recognition of her role in initiating the landmark healthcare project.
Former Jamaica prime minister Portia Simpson-Miller (File Photo)Prime Minister Andrew Holness, made the announcement during the renaming ceremony for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s 1F North Street building in the capital Kingston, which has been dedicated in honour of Mrs. Simpson Miller, who served for 11 years as Minister of Labour.
The 220 bed Western Child and Adolescent Hospital is now under development on the compound of Cornwall Regional Hospital and is expected to become the English-speaking Caribbean’s first dedicated paediatric and adolescent hospital.
The institution will provide specialised medical care for children and adolescents up to 18 years old.
Prime Minister Holness said the decision to name the hospital after Simpson Miller had always been his government’s intention, noting that she played a critical role in securing the project through negotiations with the government of China.
“I want to give an assurance that the Western Children Hospital, which Portia Simpson Miller went to China and negotiated with the Government of China, came back to Jamaica and announced it, that it is only appropriate that it should be named in her honour, and it will be done,” the Prime Minister said.
Holness said that his administration had intended to formally announce the naming when the hospital was completed and ready for commissioning, but that the move forms part of a broader effort to preserve the legacy of the former prime minister, regardless of political differences.
The Prime Minister also disclosed plans to rename sections of the Three Miles transportation corridor in honour of Mrs. Simpson Miller, including the overpasses and surrounding areas where the former Portia Simpson Miller Square once stood before major road improvement works were undertaken.
The Prime Minister reflected warmly on his relationship with the Simpson-Miller, affectionately known as ‘Mama P’, noting that they have maintained a long-standing personal connection.
He said that his mother worked in the Ministry of Labour during Simpson Miller’s tenure and that both families have remained close over the years.
“She’s always in my heart and we’re always good friends,” Dr. Holness said.
In her 2007/08 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Simpson Miller had described the hospital as a special project aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of Jamaica’s children and adolescents.
