Three nurses have been recognized for their excellence of service given towards to the advancement of healthcare within the Virgin Islands.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jacinth Hannibal said that Ms. Marla Alverez, and Ms. Pam Edwards received the Excellence in Nursing award while Mrs. Rosa Ravariere Seaman received the award for Nurse of Distinction as part of International Nurses Day activities.

Ms. Hannibal said that the Excellence in Nursing award was given to nurses who went above and beyond the call of duty. She said they demonstrated excellence in professionalism, competence, personal character, loyalty to the community, effective and efficient work habits and possess a drive to continue educational advancements.

“Ms. Alverez and Ms. Edwards are both great examples of the caliber of nurses that we need in the Territory to continue to make significant strides within our healthcare system,” Ms. Hannibal said.  She added, “We encourage all nurses to always seek to present their best selves and do their part to advance healthcare in the Territory.” Registered Nurse and the Infection Prevention and Control Manager at the BVI Health Services Authority Mrs. Rosa Ravariere Seaman, was honoured with distinction for her consistent professionalism, self-development, innovative and progressive ideas in nursing and role as a mentor.

The Chief Nursing Officer while awarding Mrs. Seaman, said she is a deserving nurse because of her consistent commitment and dedication to excellence in nursing and to the advancement of the profession.

“Her work was especially evident through the pandemic when preventing infection was paramount. She is an executive member of the Nurses Association and a committed mentor and teacher,” Ms. Hannibal said.

The award ceremony took place during a cocktail reception held in honour of nurses as part of International Nurses Day activities. Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley also attended the event and extended appreciation to the hard working nurses who continue to be the Territory’s first line defenders.         

Minister Whealtey said the Territory’s quest of achieving a healthier Virgin Islands cannot become a reality without nurses and encouraged the healthcare professionals to strive for excellence and maintain high levels of professionalism tempered with love and compassion.

Remarks were also shared by Chairperson of the Regional Nursing Body of CARICOM Dr. Margaret Smith, Chief Nursing Officer of St Kitts and Nevis Dr. Rondalyn Dennis Bradshaw, Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Nurses and Midwives Council Ms. Rupertha Ephraim, and President of the BVI Nurses Association, Ms. Gail Scotland.

This year’s theme for International Nurses Day and the rest of the year is, “Our Nurses: Our future”. It serves to highlight the important role nurses fulfill in health care and the strategic importance of ensuring that there are sufficient nurses to achieve ‘Health for All’.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.