Concrete Is Not Development

Concrete Is Not Development

May 6, 2026

This statement takes on a particular meaning in light of the island's construction boom. Today, I was prompted by reports about the opening of the new building of the National Laboratory ADC. Former minister Whiteman also used this statement regularly in the context of the new hospital. He consistently emphasized that the concrete of a new hospital does not equate to an improvement in the quality of care; that is primarily determined by the quality, education, and training of the staff. The same applies to the laboratory.

From my own experience in filing a complaint, I know that the laboratory’s management takes quality seriously. And yet, I find myself increasingly concerned about our health and healthcare as I continue reading the newspaper.

A new dialysis center for visitors is being developed. More chairs and beds for dialysis, on an island with one of the highest dialysis rates per capita in the world. There is also an announcement from NASKHO of its fifth conference on radiology and radiotherapy. At the same time, there is extensive attention to our AOV pension system, including a court case. The minister has also raised concerns in Parliament about the purchasing power of AOV benefits. And elsewhere in the paper: rising prices, with fuel costs leading the way.

What I am trying to say is that there is a direct relationship between ageing, becoming poorer, and becoming sicker. This cross-cutting connection remains largely underutilized. What is also striking is the near absence of attention to prevention—unless we count the sports pages.

In this context, we must understand that poverty reduction, including raising AOV benefits, is also a form of preventive healthcare. And if we are investing in asphalt and concrete, let us also think about walking paths and cycling lanes.

Miguel Goede