The Cabinet has been informed by the Ministry of Legal Affairs that old equipment in the Cancer Center is to be removed since the legal requisite permission has been granted from the High Court. This development will allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to legally participate in dismantling the radioactive equipment previously used for cancer treatment.
According to information released after the most recent post-Cabinet briefing, once the removal takes place, new owners will be able to complete the purchase of more modern equipment for installation in the facility. Significant improvements have already been made to the facility, including a new roof, enhanced engineering designs to redirect water away from the building, freshly painted walls, and other renovations.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Lionel Hurst provided additional details during the press briefing.
“The International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, has indicated that it will not interfere with equipment that has been installed at the Cancer Center until the owner of that equipment gives permission,” Hurst explained. “The order of the court is the equivalent of the permission which the IAEA wished to have.”
Hurst noted that both legal requirements and owner consent have now been secured, clearing the path forward.
“Plus, as we understand it, Dr Conville-Brown, who is one of the principals of the firm that actually owns the equipment, has given his permission also,” Hurst said. “And so, the court’s order allows now for the IAEA to step in and to do the removal.”
The specialized nature of the equipment necessitates expert handling due to radiation concerns.
“These are equipment that carry radiation to human bodies in order to kill off cancer cells that were treated with radiation,” Hurst said. “And the decommissioning requires the expertise of the IAEA, which is a UN agency, by the way.”
While specific dates for the IAEA’s arrival in Antigua have not yet been confirmed, the formal request process has been initiated following the court’s decision.
“As I understand from the Minister of Health, notice following the judge’s decision has gone out to the IAEA and they will set us a schedule for arriving in Antigua, for doing the work, and for departing from Antigua,” Hurst stated. “We don’t have specific dates as yet, but as soon as those dates become available, you can be sure that I will share them with you.”
