Richard Frederick’s attack on the President of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association is UNACCEPTABLE

Recent events have cast a troubling shadow over the leadership of our nation, particularly concerning the Local Government and Housing Minister, Richard Frederick. His verbal attack on the President of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) for merely addressing critical concerns at the Owen King EU (OKEU) Hospital is both alarming and unacceptable.

The President of the SLMDA, in her professional capacity and duty to the public, wrote a letter to the board of the OKEU Hospital to highlight major concerns and inefficiencies that have severely compromised the quality of care at our island’s main hospital. These issues are not minor inconveniences; they are serious problems that negatively impact both the dedicated staff and the vulnerable patients relying on the hospital’s services.

Minister Frederick’s reaction to this legitimate and necessary correspondence was to launch a verbal assault on the SLMDA President. This is not only an inappropriate response but also a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence those who speak out for the betterment of our healthcare system. Such behavior is unbecoming of a public official and does nothing to address the substantive issues raised.

Equally disturbing is the silence of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who was present during this attack and chose to say nothing. Leadership is not only about making decisions but also about standing up for what is right. The Prime Minister’s silence in the face of such an unwarranted attack speaks volumes. It suggests a troubling tolerance for, if not an outright endorsement of, the intimidation of professionals who dare to highlight the deficiencies within our public institutions.

The concerns raised by the SLMDA President are not new and have long been echoed by patients and healthcare workers alike. The inefficiencies at OKEU Hospital, including staffing shortages, lack of essential supplies, and inadequate infrastructure, require urgent attention. These are not issues that can be solved by attacking the messengers but by addressing the root causes through transparent and effective governance.

Minister Frederick and Prime Minister Pierre owe the people of Saint Lucia an explanation. Why was there an attempt to silence a medical professional bringing legitimate concerns to light? Why was there no intervention from the Prime Minister to stop this unwarranted attack? And most importantly, what concrete steps will be taken to address the pressing issues at OKEU Hospital?

The people of Saint Lucia deserve a healthcare system that works efficiently and effectively. We also deserve leaders who listen to our concerns, respect our professionals, and act decisively to solve problems. Minister Frederick’s actions and Prime Minister Pierre’s inaction in this situation are deeply disappointing and warrant immediate rectification.

The health and well-being of our citizens must always be the priority, and it is time for our leaders to demonstrate that they truly understand and embrace this fundamental responsibility.