CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (DECEMBER 21, 2009) – Premier of Nevis in the Nevis Island Administration [NIA] Honourable Joseph Parry issued a challenge to nurses on the island to assist in the recruitment of more persons into the nursing profession.
He also commended the island’s health professionals for their outstanding contribution to healthcare on Nevis. This came at the annual Ministry of Health Staff Appreciation Award Ceremony held last Friday 18 December, at the Alexandra Hospital grounds.
“On behalf of the government, I thank you for your great services. On behalf of the Ministry I thank you for your great services. On behalf of myself and my family, I thank you for all that you have done this year.
“Whether you are on a district or in the hospital, you have done a great job. We have great health services on this island that we call Nevis and we are going to get better,” Premier Parry said to the awardees.
Minister of Health in the Federal Government Hon. Rupert Herbert, in his address, commended the staff of the Ministry of Health on Nevis for their effective healthcare service.
“I wish also to commend those persons, the nurses, the technical staff, the professional staff, the administrative staff, all because together you have continued to provide or to ensure that in Nevis you provide the kind of healthcare that you want to give to your people - one that is affordable, one that is efficient and one that meets the needs of our people, creating therefore a healthy Nevisian population, without which we cannot really go forward,” Minister Herbert said.
Also speaking at the Awards Ceremony were Deputy Governor General His Honor Eustace John, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patrick Martin and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. Joslyn Liburd.
In his remarks, Dr. Martin spoke of the importance of a successful healthcare system to the island.
“All of the economic and social progress to date is due to the progress in public health. A nation cannot prosper unless the people attain a certain health status and life expectancy and ours is 73 years,” Dr. Martin said.
Over 20 persons were awarded for their years of service with the ministry.
