A new rest home for seniors is six weeks behind schedule, Health Minister Patrice Minors said on Friday. During a progress report given in the House of Assembly, Mrs. Minors said the delay at the St. George's Residential Care Facility was due to "a number of unforeseen circumstances".

Reasons for the delay include the discovery of a large underground hole and rotting timber joints that had to be replaced.

The facility is now expected to be finished in 2006. A total of 33 rooms, including three apartments, will permanently house 39 seniors. The day care programme can accommodate 14 more seniors.