Government is discussing the acquisition of the Cancer Centre

The government is seriously pursuing efforts to acquire the Cancer Centre located
at Michael’s Mount.
On Wednesday, the Cabinet held discussions on the acquisition of the Cancer
Centre at a cost that reflects the valuation undertaken by the Government’s
Valuation Officer.
While the owner was demanding 15 million USD; the valuation is between 6 and 9
million EC Dollars. The land on which the Cancer Centre is built is crown land.
Since the owner of the centre, Dr. Conville Browne of the Bahamas announced his
intention to close the facility at the end of last month due to its lack of economic
viability, the government has expressed an interest in its purchase to continue the
cancer care that patients have been receiving.
However, the point of disagreement has been over the value of the property. Health
Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has indicated that he is of the view that the asking
price for the facility was more than its market value.
Both sides need to reach a compromise in their positions if the matter is to be
resolved amicably and in short order.
Meanwhile, the cabinet invited the owner of an office building in St. John’s that
has remained unoccupied for several years. The former CIBC building situated at
the corner of High Street and Corn Alley, owned by an Antiguan businessman had
been rented by the former administration and gutted. There was no further
progress with the construction. In 2014 an agreement was entered into with the
new Gaston Browne Administration to acquire the building, by way of unpaid
taxes and other unmet obligations.
The owner reneged. He has now returned to the cabinet with another proposal to
exchange land which he owns elsewhere, for crown land with an oceanfront.
The discussions are ongoing.