Five New Custom-Built Ambulances Commissioned

Five brand-new, state-of-the-art ambulances have officially been commissioned in St Kitts and Nevis, marking what Dr Terrance Drew described as a “transformative leap forward” for the nation’s healthcare system.

Commissioned on October 27, the new fleet represents the largest single investment in emergency medical response in the Federation’s history — a EC$1.7 million initiative designed specifically for St Kitts and Nevis’ terrain and communities.

“These are not ordinary ambulances,” Drew said. “They have been custom-built to meet the unique realities of our country — our narrow roads, our hilly terrain, our remote villages and vibrant communities from St Paul’s to Cayon to Basseterre.”

Each vehicle is equipped with advanced life-support systems, oxygen resuscitators, suction units, patient monitors, and specialised suspension technology to handle rough terrain. The ambulances also feature compact, high-performance engines and superior manoeuvrability, ensuring faster, safer response times across the islands.

Drew said the initiative forms part of a broader plan to modernise healthcare, with a focus on access, equity, and resilience.

“This commissioning reaffirms our belief that healthcare must be accessible, equitable, and effective,” he said. “Whether you live in the heart of Basseterre or the farthest stretch of the island, help can and will come swiftly when it is needed most — because every life in this Federation matters.”

The EC$1.7 million investment also includes a dedicated maintenance partnership with TDC Toyota and training and certification programmes for EMTs, ensuring that both the technology and the teams behind it remain top-tier.

Drew extended thanks to the staff of the Joseph N. France General Hospital, the nation’s Emergency Medical Technicians, and the Ministry of Health for their continued service. He also expressed appreciation to TDC Group of Companies and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their support in strengthening the Federation’s healthcare infrastructure.

“This is about social justice,” Drew added. “It’s about making sure that when a mother calls for help, when an elder needs urgent care, or when a child’s life is at risk — the system works, and help arrives.”