Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 12, 2025 (PMO) — The commencement of construction on the new Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis, as preparatory works and on-site activities begin in the coming days.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, speaking during a site engagement with key stakeholders, confirmed that the project has now moved into its construction phase, unlocking jobs across a wide range of skill levels within the construction and supporting sectors.
The Prime Minister emphasized that even before the hospital becomes operational, the project will have a meaningful economic impact through job creation, increased economic activity, and community upliftment.
“This will provide a lot of jobs for our people in the construction field of all sorts and all kinds,” Prime Minister Drew stated, noting that the project will stimulate economic growth well ahead of the hospital’s completion.
Dr. Drew further underscored that the scale and complexity of the hospital project require a broad workforce, including skilled trades, technical professionals, and support services, creating opportunities for local participation throughout the construction lifecycle.
Ambassador Leon Natta Nelson, in outlining the immediate next steps, explained that with the design and approval phase now completed, contractors will begin accessing the site, triggering the start of employment opportunities tied directly to construction activities.
He noted that the transition into construction represents more than physical development, but also tangible benefits for citizens through work opportunities and skills engagement.
“This signifies that the opportunities for employment and the building of a modern JNF General Hospital are now in progress for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Ambassador Natta said.
In addition to direct construction jobs, the project is expected to create indirect employment through supply chains, transportation, services, and ancillary industries, further boosting economic activity in surrounding communities.
The new JNF General Hospital project, being executed in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Overseas Engineering & Construction Company (OECC), forms a central part of the Government’s long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure, economic resilience, and national development.
Construction-related employment is expected to scale up progressively as works advance on the Camps site.
