The GSD have issued a statement highlighting their concerns over the Government’s handling of the Mount Alvernia hot water issue.

A statement from the GSD follows below:

Government Ministers appear to believe they can breach Parliamentary rules (which are there for  good reason) and then spin the situation to suit their narrative whenever it is convenient. 

The GSD also expresses its deep concern and disappointment over the Government’s handling of the  Mount Alvernia hot water issue and strongly rejects Minister Arias Vasquez’s attempt to avoid  Parliamentary scrutiny. We refuse to allow this to go unnoticed, and we will hold them to account. 

On the 16th of January the Minister on a GBC programme refused to answer a presenters health  question on the grounds that there was a pending Parliamentary question and there is a Speakers  ruling that questions must be answered in Parliament so that the Government lays itself open to  Opposition scrutiny. She is therefore aware of the rules 

In contrast on 18th January 2025, ahead of answering a Parliamentary Question tabled on 15th  January 2025 on Mount Alvernia the Minister posted on Facebook, offering a response that avoided  scrutiny given the serious concerns raised by residents, families, and staff at Mount Alvernia. The  Parliamentary Question asked whether the facility had been without hot running water within the last  six months, and if so, which areas or floors were affected by the disruption and for how long. 

The Minister responded on Facebook, stating: "Happy to say hot water was run in front of me and have  had it confirmed that no resident of Mount Alvernia has been without a warm shower during any period  in the last six months." This statement, which references the wording and timeframe of the  Parliamentary question, clearly intended to answer the Parliamentary question in terms designed to  avoid Parliamentary scrutiny. The Government’s subsequent press release further muddied the issue,  shifting the language from "warm showers" to "cold showers", creating even more confusion. 

The GSD notes that the concerns raised to the opposition were not about "cold showers"—this is a  term we have never used—but about credible reports of hot water shortages, from residents, families,  and staff, with staff having to resort to kettles to fill basins. These are real issues that deserve urgent  attention, not vague Facebook posts or public relations reassurances. They also are of a nature  whereby Ministers should not avoid the scrutiny process of follow up Opposition questions. This is  now happening far too often with this Government 

Mrs Atrish Sanchez, the GSD Shadow Minister for Care and the ERS, notes the Minister’s failure to  ensure there was timely and meaningful engagement with affected residents and their families during  these disruptions. She states: "If the Minister truly believed this was a matter of public interest, as the  Government has stated in their press release, the first thing she should have done is ensure effective direct  communication with those affected, through phone calls or written updates via the appropriate channels,  to keep them informed throughout the disruptions. Instead, she chose to post on social media a few weeks  after all of this started, offering vague reassurances and leaving families in the dark. Does the Minister  assume that all residents and relatives are on social media? Is this how the Government now operates? 

This reflects a government more concerned with appearances than with real accountability." 

Unsurprisingly, the Government issued an official press release in which they attempt to deflect by  launching baseless personal attacks. The press release absurdly claims that Mrs Sanchez "had no  interest in the residents of Mount Alvernia." 

Shadow Minister for Care Mrs Sanchez stated, "Not only do I have close family members at Mount  Alvernia, but I care deeply about the well-being of all residents. Political differences should never result in  such disgraceful and unfounded accusations. The Minister should focus on addressing the real issues  affecting the facility, instead of attacking those who are genuinely concerned." 

Aside from the Government’s nonsense, the opposition continues to demonstrate their dedication to  residents, families, and staff. Despite being in recovery from a medical procedure undergone earlier  this week, Atrish Sanchez visited the facility on the Minister’s invitation on Saturday evening— not to  record a Facebook video or to take a photo to post on her social media, but to seek assurances that the  situation was being addressed. She adds, "I take this opportunity to thank the ERS Clinical Nurse  Manager for speaking with me and for the incredible work of the staff at Mount Alvernia." 

The GSD acknowledges that while assurances were given about the issues being resolved after this  uproar, several questions remain unanswered. GBC has confirmed that two of the three boilers broke  during the Christmas period, and fuel boilers were installed. Further questions therefore need  answering properly which is what the Parliamentary process is for and what the Minister chose to  elude with her nonsense this weekend. 

The GSD will seek clarity on the interim period, the disruption caused, and the communication—or  lack thereof—with families during this time. The Government insists that all residents' hygiene needs  have been met with warm water, but the Opposition needs answers regarding how these needs were  met during periods of disruption. A post claiming ‘hot water is running today’ cannot erase the valid  concerns about how previous disruptions were managed. However, because we, unlike others,  understand and respect the rules and conventions of Parliament, we will demand these answers in  Parliament. 

Finally, Mrs Sanchez stresses the importance of timely maintenance and support for the dedicated  staff at Mount Alvernia. "They do an incredible job, and we must ensure they are not hindered in their  duties due to failures or delays in the maintenance of essential equipment." 

This issue highlights a broader pattern of behaviour from a Government that appears more focused on  managing its image than on genuinely addressing the needs of the people. 

The GSD stands firmly with the residents, families, and staff, and will continue to raise these and other  issues. Our priority remains their well-being, and we are committed to leadership and governance that  places people first—above political optics.