WORKS and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John arrived at Parliament on October 23 with her trademark upbeat energy and polished style, fielding questions on the progress of national projects, her ministry’s budget priorities and the state of the country’s infrastructure.

Speaking with the media on October 23, John was asked about the ongoing Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Widening Project, following her ministry’s budget allocation of $2.15 billion.

With a smile, she said, "Work has not stopped. Work has been ongoing. We didn’t stop any project. If any project came to a halt, it’s because the contractor stopped it, not because the ministry gave any such instruction."