BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the government seeks to improve medical institutions and services available in the nation, the Ministry of Health has recognized 17 individuals who have made indelible marks in the development of the health sector.
At the commissioning of the recently renovated Pogson Medical Centre, held Thursday (Mar. 26), 17 “health stalwarts” received awards from Minister of Health Hon. Rupert Herbert to acknowledge their sterling contributions to the field of health and medicine.
Speaking to SKNVibes, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Elvis Newton said the individuals awarded have served in a variety of capacities collectively and have made an invaluable impact on the nation’s health sector.
“Many of the awardees can be considered pioneers of health. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for their contributions, and so the Ministry thought it was prudent to demonstrate its appreciation in a tangible way.
“The Ministry is cognizant and appreciative of contributions, and because of [the recipients’] early success and service we have a foundation for us to further implement health programmes to reduce illness and death among us.”
Among the honourees were the Medical Supervisors for the hospital, including Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Dr. Macmillan Hodge and Dr. Ian Jacobs who have been serving the nation since the 1960s.
Veteran nurses who have significantly contributed to health development were also honoured, such as Bernice Morgan, Venetta Henry, Rupertha Matthew, Persis Heyliger-Carty and Frances Thompson.
Former midwives Gwenneth Freeman and Ena Rouse, who delivered Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas at birth, also received recognition. Present and previous members of the hospital’s ancillary staff, including Sylvia Phipps, Agnes Paul, Malcolm Govia, Elva Lake, Joseph Browne and George Glasgow, were named for their service. Special recognition was given to the former Director of Health Institutions, Eugenie Condor.
Newton commended the public health workers and indicated that it was the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and all currently active professionals to continue with the strides the honourees had worked so hard to achieve during their illustrious careers.
