Sando Business Association to Govt: Don’t extend hospital to Chancery Lane complex

President of the San Fernando Business Association Daphne Bartlett is objecting to the use of the Chancery Lane Administrative Complex as an extension of the San Fernando General Hospital. Speaking at a meeting held at City Hall, San Fernando, on Tuesday night, Bartlett called on Government to open the administrative complex and make 450 parking spaces available to the public before Christmas.

The meeting was attended by National Security Minister Jack Warner, Public Administrative Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan and Minister of Gender Affairs Marlene Coudray. Over the past few months, the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Udecott) retro-fitted the complex into a medical centre to house 216 beds, paediatric wards, an outpatient centre, lecture rooms, and a functional diagnostic area.

However, Bartlett said pensioners would have difficulty accessing these services. “Many of them have complained that they will have difficulties in walking upstairs to get outpatient care...That building was not designed as a hospital,” Bartlett said.

She said pensioners were having difficulties after the closure of the TTPost office in Carlton Centre. She lamented that TTPost was currently operating from an electrical store on Coffee Street while people who needed passports had to brave the elements at the immigration office.

President of the Inter-Religious Organisation Bro Harrypersad Maharaj complained that citizens were being deprived of the enjoyment of the San Fernando Hill as it was no longer a national park.

He said a fee of $1,000 was imposed on people who want to take photographs and videos. Maharaj said the hill was used every weekend to host parties, fetes and weddings and people no longer enjoyed the natural beauty of the historic landmark.

San Fernando resident Cheryl Dindial also complained of excessive noise pollution on Coffee Street, particularly on weekends. She said some bars blasted music non-stop on weekends. Senior Supt of Southern Division Cecil Santana assured the business owners that patrols would be increased.