JAN 17

The two most powerful political women in the south of the island are squaring up for another fight.

The last time they clashed was on November 27 when Glynis Roberts of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the South St. George constituency from Ann David-Antoine of the ruling New National Party (NNP) government.

Despite the defeat, Antoine was appointed as the new Minister of Health by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell to replace Clarice Curwen-Modeste.

In her capacity as Health Minister, Antoine-David is reportedly engaged in activities in South St. George which has angered Roberts.

Following is the full text of a letter dated January 12, 2004 which Roberts sent to the Health Minister on the issue:

Dear Minister Antoine,

Greetings and a Happy New Year to yourself and staff of your Ministry.

It was brought to my attention as Parliamentary Representative that the old medical station at Grand Anse is being cleaned up to house Grensave's Day Care, which has to move from the Frequente Industrial Park. I have confirmed the above with officials at Grensave.

In 2001, the Montgava Foundation was approached so that the building in Monte Toute could be used as a possible site to relocate the Medical Station.

According to the Chief Medical Officer at that time that building (Old Medical Station) was deemed unfit for use to house sick patients daily.

Now if this building is not fit for patients to be there for short visits how can it be fit for small children (aged 0-4 or 5 years) to spend all day? These children are our nation's future and it is our right to protect them.

Bearing the above factors in mind I hereby formally request that we revisit this whole idea of housing children at that building even if it for a short term and look for a building more suited for the children just as it was done for the medical station.

I stand ready and committed for us to work together to find suitable accommodation so that our young children can develop in a safe and healthy environment.

Glynis Roberts MP