Compain hits back at Minister Tabuya over CWM reporting remarks

International Women’s Association (IWA) president Judy Compain has hit back at Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya’s criticism of media reporting, saying issues at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) go far beyond a single incident.

The response follows Ms Tabuya’s comments in Parliament this week, where she said media reports on a broken hospital lift lacked context and were “put out to embarrass the Ministry.”

The IWA has for years supported and funded repair and improvement works at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) as part of its ongoing community outreach.

In a detailed post, Ms Compain questioned the Minister’s understanding of the situation.

“Minister Tabuya, when was the last time you visited CWM Hospital? Not for any handover of anything. Just because.

“Are you saying the lift broke down once? At 2.30am, was fixed by end of day, and that was the story? Because that is what it sounds like. And if that is your understanding of the situation, then you are not across the facts.”

Ms Compain said the lift issue has been ongoing for years and has directly affected patients and families.

“That lift has broken down repeatedly. Over and over again. This was not a one-off incident that was unfairly reported. This has been an ongoing, chronic failure that affected real people every single time it happened. It is not mal-information to report that!! It is the truth and the full truth!! Not the version that is convenient for you or the Ministry of Health.”

She also described the challenges faced by families navigating the hospital without functioning lifts.

“Imagine mums and dads. Grandparents. Admitting their sick children to the CWM Children's Ward over the last 8+ years. Lugging all their bags, their belongings, everything up the stairs because there was no working lift.”

The post broadened criticism to other reported conditions at the hospital, including infrastructure issues and shortages of equipment.

“Should we not talk about the mould in the ceilings? The leaks in all those buildings? Broken taps. Missing louvres. Toilets not working. Shortage of medicines, consumables and basic equipment?”

The commentator also issued an invitation to Government leaders to visit the hospital.

“I invite you. I invite the Minister for Health. I invite the whole Ministry team and everyone in Parliament. Visit. Use that lift. Walk the corridors.”

Ms Compain concluded with a call for transparency and accountability.

“Do not threaten journalists. Do not threaten citizens for speaking their truth. Because from where I sit, that is exactly what this is, a warning to stay silent. That is not going to happen.”