NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Government of The Bahamas has pushed back against concerns raised by the United States over the financing of the new national specialty hospital, describing the remarks as an unusual intervention in the country’s domestic affairs.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials said there are no outstanding issues related to the agreement and that all relevant documents have already been tabled in Parliament.
“The record will show that there are no unresolved or unaddressed matters connected to this agreement,” the ministry said, adding that it has sought clarification from U.S. authorities regarding their position.
The response follows comments from U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker, who questioned the terms of the financing arrangement for the $285 million hospital project and raised concerns about its implications for Bahamian sovereignty.
Government officials, however, rejected suggestions that the project was rushed, noting that discussions with the United States on possible financing options took place over a three-year period but did not result in a viable proposal.
“Those efforts yielded no financing response that matched the urgency, scale and certainty required to move this project forward,” the ministry said.
Faced with what it described as pressing national healthcare needs, the government said it proceeded with an agreement involving the Export-Import Bank of China in the best interest of the Bahamian people.
The statement also emphasized that the project includes participation from U.S. suppliers, noting that equipment for the hospital will be sourced from American vendors under standard commercial terms.
Officials further underscored that the development is intended to benefit both Bahamians and the millions of visitors who travel to the country each year.
While acknowledging what it called renewed interest from the United States, the government maintained that the matter has already been settled.
“The Government of The Bahamas will protect the sovereignty and national interest of our people at every stage of this project,” the statement said.
It added that the agreement represents a straightforward and transparent commercial arrangement, and urged the public to remain assured as work on the new healthcare facility moves forward.
