BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CONSTRUCTION on the Dixon Byrd Medical University and Hospital which will be operating out of Ottleys Village is expected to begin in upcoming months as expressed by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas.

In recent months, the government signed an agreement with the Dixon Byrd Group providing for the construction of the medical university which, according to a news item carried on CUOPM.com, would accommodate 1 500 students and a 12-bed University Hospital over time.

During the signing process, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Hon. Sam Condor, “presented the Certificate of Programme and Institution Accreditation” to Dr. Sewell Dixon who signed on behalf of the Dixon Byrd Group.

At his monthly press conference held on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Prime Minister Douglas explained that the government is in the process of tying up loose ends relative to the land sale agreement.

“The Dixon Byrd Medical University...this is a school that we have approved a few months ago.  We are in the process of finalising the sale agreement for the necessary real estate for the construction to start on this particular facility. As to when it will start and when it will end, I am still uncertain,” the PM said.
 
The PM further explained that while he is not certain as to the specific date on which construction is to begin, it should take place within the upcoming months.

“But I believe that it is within a matter of months, if I remember the initial development agreement that was signed between the government and the investors or the developers of the case. But as soon as this information is available, it will be made known to the press.”

The University is expected to provide educational opportunities for locals, residents and CARICOM nationals, as well as occupational opportunities.

“The Agreement also calls for the training of local residents as technicians and staff to operate, support and work with the imaging devices. And locals will be given preference to be hired as faculty members, consultants, staff and other workers if qualifications are the same.

“Government has also secured from Dixon-Byrd Medical University, three scholarships for citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to any degree programme offered by the medical university to be admitted on a yearly basis. The scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, books and equipment. An additional scholarship will also be made available to citizens of other CARICOM countries who are residents of St. Kitts and Nevis,” CUOPM reports.

It also reports that the Dixon-Byrd Medical University is an established school of medicine “with the right to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine upon students who have completed the prescribed course of study and demonstrated academic, clinical and ethical conduct commensurate with the degree”.

As part of the “15 year-agreement signed between the government and the Dixon Byrd Group, the university will receive a 10-year tax holiday”.