BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ON SATURDAY 7th December 2013 the book ‘Pillars of Nursing – St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla 1950 to 1980’ was launched, thereby providing a lasting record and ‘historical perspective and overview of the health and nursing situation’ existing during the pre-independence period of our island states.
The book is authored by Kittitian and International Nursing Consultant, Maria Louise Barker who was recently (2012) awarded the Companion of The Star of Merit for Nursing by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Playing an important role in information gathering and support were members of the Retired Energetic Nurses Touching all Lives (RENTAL) Association of St. Kitts.
The launching ceremony was warmly chaired by Ms Josephine Mallalieu, family friend and Magistrate, who also recounted the achievements of the author as she introduced her to the gathering. A personal perspective and review of the book was given by Dr. Hermia Morton-Anthony, former President of the CFB College.
She lauded Ms Barker on her achievement in completing the book and was pleased that it recorded the significant role played by women, some of whom blazed a trail in the development of nursing care and education in St. Kitts Nevis and Anguilla. She singled out Matron May Stevens who ‘cracked the glass ceiling’ when she became the first local matron in colonial times.
She regarded the book as “engaging social history” for all levels of students and saw it as required reading for all nurses….in addition to being ‘a good Christmas present’. The book is dedicated to all Past, Present and Future Nurses of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla.
Apart from giving an overview of the Health situation and Nursing situation in the tri-island state, the author, Ms Barker, singled out and recounted the contributions of many Nursing Managers and Administrators, Medical, Surgical and Mental Health Nurses; Nurse Educators; Nurse Midwives Managers; Public Health Nurses and Family Nurse Practitioners – these were regarded as the true Pillars who buttressed the development of the Nursing profession and Nursing education from 1950 – 1980.
In her Remarks, author Ms Barker said she was humbled by the level of support she received and that the book gave her an opportunity to look back in nostalgia and reflect on the many changes that had taken place in the development of nursing care in St. Kitts Nevis and Anguilla.
In a foreword to the book, Public Heath Consultant, Gloria E. Noel MPH, PHN, CM, RN concluded: “PILLARS OF NURSING” is truly a labor of love by Miss Barker…love of Nursing, love of country and love for the entire Caribbean which she served with distinction as the PAHO Nurse Advisor for so many years.”
The launching ceremony was graced with the presence of former Governor General and Medical Doctor, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, members of the RENTAL Association, several medical doctors and invited friends. All lined up after to procure signed copies of the book and general discussion ensued as guests partook of the refreshments offered.
The Retired Energetic Nurses Touching All Lives (RENTAL) Association hosted the launch at the residence of Dr. Christine Walwyn at Frigate Bay. It is expected that a Book 2 chronicling developments from 1980 to the present will follow to complete the record.
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