The Hon Premier and Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services (MoHAHS), Dr. Rufus Ewing, honored nurses of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos last week at an appreciation banquet held at the Carnival Cruise Welcome Center, downtown Grand Turk under the theme “Nurses leading the way…Nurses caring today for a healthier tomorrow”.
Nurses and their guests were invited out to a formal and elegant evening filled with cheer, food, music, accolades, and deep appreciation for the dedicated service nurses provide to the people of the TCI. Nurses in attendance represented the TCI Hospital, Government Primary Health Care Clinics, the Mental and Dental Health Departments and the Wellness Centre along with nurses who have now retired.
The evening began with a word of prayer from Pastor Mary Forbes, former Chief Nursing Officer, and past Health Disaster Coordinator. Afterward, an official welcome and tributes were given by Mrs. Tamera Robinson, Deputy Secretary MoHAHS, Hon. Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing, MoHAHS, Hon. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor, Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs, Communications and Transportation, Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, and Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Jacqueline Sutton.
Mrs. Tamera Robinson, Deputy Secretary, welcomed guests to the banquet organized under the auspices of the Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing. She invited everyone to relax, socialize and enjoy the evening. She acknowledged that the Nursing profession is not an easy one and that it takes a special person to be a nurse.
Nurses were described by Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing as being the six senses of the health system (the eyes, ears, smell, touch, taste and intuition). He acknowledged that nurses are the foundation of the health system, without which the health system would not function.
He said doctors perform surgery and treatment, but nurses provide the care necessary to heal patients, restore health and save lives.
Hon. George Lightbourne said nurses are not just nurses, but they are caregivers, confidants, parents and friends. They provide for the needs of their patients in hospitals, health centres and communities. He admonished nurses not to devalue themselves and their contributions and encouraged them to always know their worth and be proud of their service.
Hon. Anya Williams said that Nurses are hardworking and dedicated. She stated that nurses are special and uniquely suited for the nursing profession. She recognized the hard work teachers and nurses, and stressed that nurses are essential to the vitality of a society, even more so than teachers. She also acknowledged the work of nurses as priceless and said they deserve to be well compensated for their service.
Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Jacqueline Sutton, described the qualities of a nurse as caring, empathic, detailed-oriented, adaptable, hardworking, quick thinking, physical apt. She said they have good judgment and good communication skills. She emphasized that if a person comes to a nurse in a crisis, the nurse will not have time to read a book. He or she will know what to do and will respond quickly. She gave a special salute to all nurses especially those on the islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay who often have to run clinics without a fulltime physician and the benefit of a hospital on island.
Each Nurse was presented with a beautiful plaque by the dignitaries present. Special recognition was given to Nurse Mary Forbes, Nurse Charlene Higgs, Nurse Aldora Robinson and Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Jacqueline Sutton for their invaluable contributions to the Ministry of Health and the TCI.
May 20th, the Nurses on the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos had their banquet dinner in their honor at the Beaches Resort, Providenciales.
