By: Staff Writer
April 21, 2026
A proposed new hospital broke ground last week in The Bahamas that has raised the eyebrow of the US government because of its Chinese funding arrangements.
The U.S. Embassy in a statement on its website, “notes with concern Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the New Providence hospital project, particularly given the unresolved questions surrounding the financing arrangement and its implications for Bahamian sovereignty.
“We are disappointed to see this project move forward so quickly when fundamental concerns about the terms of the deal remain unaddressed,” stated U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Herschel Walker. “I question the decision to rush forward with a deal that places the hospital financing under Chinese law and jurisdiction on Bahamian soil.”
“The United States remains committed to supporting healthcare infrastructure that truly serves Bahamian interests, under terms that respect Bahamian sovereignty, adhere to international norms, and mitigate project risks for The Bahamas” stated Ambassador Walker. “The United States’ offer to help The Bahamas secure better financing options—whether from public or private sources—remains on the table.”
The Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas in response to the US Embassy, said: “We believe that the Bahamian government has the sovereign right to choose its international partners based on its own national priorities, development needs, and public interests. The concessional loan hospital project is jointly advanced by China and the Bahamas through friendly consultations and in accordance with the statutory procedures of both sides. Bahamas-China cooperation is not directed against any third party, and should not be interfered by any third party.”
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “The Government of The Bahamas has taken note of the comments issued in what amounts to an unusual intervention by the United States Government in the public affairs of The Bahamas. The Ministry is tasked with seeking an urgent clarification of the statement.
“The record will show that there are no unresolved or unaddressed matters connected to this agreement. All associated documents have been tabled in the Parliament of The Bahamas.
“The Government is deeply appreciative of the concern expressed for the upgrade of our health care facilities by United State authorities. These facilities will protect the millions of Americans who visit our shores, in addition to our own citizens.
“We would be happy to share the record with the responsible U S authorities in the appropriate forum.
“Before reaching a funding agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Government of The Bahamas engaged the United States Government on several occasions over a period of three years. Those efforts yielded no financing response that matched the urgency, scale, and certainty required to move this project forward. Faced with the pressing need to strengthen and modernise the public health care system, the Government took the decision to proceed in the best interests of the Bahamian people.
“Any suggestion that the Government acted with undue haste is misplaced. This project was delayed while The Bahamas awaited a response, and to accept an offer at this stage would only produce further delay, something our national interest can ill afford.
“The fact is that the equipment list will be supplied by United States vendors on the usual commercial and transparent terms.
“We acknowledge the renewed interest of the United States Government. Even so, this matter is resolved. The Government of The Bahamas will protect the sovereignty and national interest of our people at every stage of this project. The Bahamas is a sovereign country and is fully capable of advancing and safeguarding those interests while acting in the public interest.
“In the meantime, the public should be assured that this transaction is a straightforward and transparent commercial arrangement, free of ethnic or parochial prejudice.”