Earlier today, I released a statement denouncing as misinformed and regrettable, public statements made by Senator Alvin Williams claiming “procrastination” in the providing of emergency services on the West End of St. Thomas. 

In my statement, I explained that for months the de Jongh-Francis Administration has been working to complete repairs to the facility located in Estate Fortuna so that it can function as a multi-purpose center and provide not only ambulance and emergency medical care to residents on the West End, but also provide expanded fire and police services from the same facility. 

One would hope that the senator might appreciate that simply buying another ambulance does not provide these services. I also noted that in addition to preparing the facility, there is also a need to hire additional emergency medical technicians to properly provide the needed services.

Senator Williams’ press release and radio comments that "because of politics we continue to see procrastination regarding this issue… The ambulances were purchased and are here in the territory…" are at best, unhelpful grandstanding and little more than petty political posturing. All Senator Williams needed to do to learn what steps were being taken with respect to this issue or any other issue of concern to him, was pick up the telephone and call. Surely, that call might have assisted the senator in avoiding making wrong and misleading statements that will only be regretted after the fact.

Jean Greaux is the Government House Communications Director.