SIR LESTER BIRD MOUNT ST. JOHN'S MEDICAL CENTRE

ST. JOHN’S Antigua, January 9, 2023—As a part of its Energy Transition in the Caribbean Project, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission recently donated LED lightbulbs valued at $19,500 XCD to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s (SLBMC’s) ongoing lighting upgrade project.  

The proposal for this latest funding was completed by experts from the Ministry of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation, Transport and Energy (PUCATE).  

 In addition to saving on energy costs, the new fixtures will help the hospital attain a number of other energy-efficiency and other goals outlined for the project.  
 All of the new lighting fixtures are self-contained, which eliminates the need for ballasts, helping to greatly reduce maintenance requirements. The project also improves the facility’s quality of lighting with soft bright LED lights and removes the heat of fluorescent lighting which ultimately assists in lowering air conditioning costs.   

“This project began in 2020 following a level 3 audit conducted by PUCATE,” said Gary Thomas, SLBMC Director of Administration. Since then, they have partnered with us to help secure funding for LED lights so we can realize those energy savings provided by upgrading. Making the transition to LED lighting not only allows for a more environmentally-friendly facility for patients and staff but also reduces maintenance and energy costs. The savings gained will be channeled into further upgrades for the facility. Another factor of this energy conservation project is the reduction of the hospital’s carbon footprint.”  

Officials from the Ministry of Energy commented: “It is our delight at the Ministry of Energy to partner with both regional and international funding agencies, in particular the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This partnership helps us as a nation in meeting one of our National Determine Contributions goals, which aims at enhancing building resilience and making government buildings energy efficient by reducing our energy consumption. We the Ministry look forward to continuing working together to make Antigua & Barbuda resilient within the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sector.”