A naming ceremony for the new hospital will be held this weekend, as part of activities for Saint Lucia's 37th anniversary of Independence.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the hospital will officially assume the name of one of Saint Lucia's most distinguished physicians, Dr. Owen King along with the funding facility, the European Union.

The ceremony for the Owen King EU Hospital will be aired LIVE.

"We are opening the doors so that all Saint Lucians can view the nation's progress," Minister for Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations, Hon. Alvina Reynolds said, adding that the naming ceremony held on the Anniversary of Independence is fitting, as the completion of the new hospital marks another of Saint Lucia's accomplishments.

"We will welcome partners into the facility for the first time, to allow them to see what has been done," Dwight Calixte, Commissioning Director said. "The final transition [into the new hospital] will be a phased approach. Presently we are working towards certification and ensuring that the mechanical, electrical, and water systems of the facility are up to code. Simultaneously we will train and upgrade the skills of our health workers to deliver the care and quality of service that is intended and finally, we will move the departments and patients - which will also happen in a phased approach."

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony said: "This is a monumental achievement for our country and its people. It sets a platform for better quality medical treatment for all Saint Lucians and a better means of delivery of health care. We say thanks to our friends of the European Union for realizing this national dream."

The Owen King EU Hospital is the largest infrastructural project ever executed by the European Union in the Eastern Caribbean. The ultra modern treatment and care facility was funded to the tune of EC$167 million, inclusive of construction and equipment.