Minister of Works and Transport Jerlean John has denied any political interference or delays in the construction of the Port of Spain Central Block, insisting the project was never stalled following the April 28 general election.

During a media tour of the site on September 19, John said claims during the previous PNM administration that the hospital would be partially operational by July 2025, were simply not realistic.

"That timeline was always impossible," John said from the tenth floor of the hospital, where construction activity continued in full view of reporters and officials.