Statement by

Premier and minister of Finance,

Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley

on the passing of Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE

I join with the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the death of another one of our community stalwarts, Mrs. Rita Frett Georges, MBE.

Mrs. Georges made outstanding contributions to this Territory in the healthcare sector and blazed the trail for many persons who have served in this field.

She is credited with helping the Territory to make significant strides in the area of mental health. Having had the privilege of furthering her education overseas, she returned to the territory and served as its first psychologist and first mental health/psychiatric nurse.

She was very passionate about improving mental health care in the Territory. It was under her leadership that the Community Mental Health programme was started in 1972 with the objective of providing follow-up service to patients in the community. As Director, Mrs. Georges placed emphasis on three main areas of progress for the mental health programme—preventative, continuity and rehabilitative. The system of mental health management continued to evolve further with her involvement and it was eventually cited by the Pan American Health Organisation as a model programme. Mrs. Georges is the brainchild of the Mental Health Association which was formed in 1975.

Mrs. Georges was a role model for nurses throughout the Territory. A number of them thrived under her leadership. Many recall being interviewed by her and credit her with giving them the start in their nursing careers. She served as a mentor, was very passionate about further education and played an integral role in arranging for a number of them to become trained nurses.

Nurses who served under Mrs. Georges describe her as a stellar human being, a stalwart, and a trailblazer, who deeply cared for the wellbeing of others. Even after she retired, Mrs. Georges took a keen interest in what was happening in the field of nursing.

Mrs. Georges’ influence was felt locally, regionally and internationally. She was a founding member of the BVI Nurses Association, having served as its first Secretary from 1971 – 1973. She later served as its president from 1975 – 1981. While serving as Chief Nursing Officer, she was an active member of the Caribbean Nurses Organisation and attended various meetings of this regional nursing body. Through her attendance and participation in these international meetings and conferences she was fully informed of the advancements taking place in the profession and was in a pivotal position to steer the local nursing population effectively. She served two terms as Vice President of the Caribbean Nursing Association, which has been instrumental in several initiatives to strengthen nursing and address the affairs of nursing in the region.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) helps to ensure the quality of nursing care and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession. Mrs. Georges sought and eventually obtained membership in this organisation. As a result, various doors were opened for nurses of the Territory.

Mrs. Georges assumed the role of Chief Nursing Officer in 1987 and served until 1994.

She is described as a visionary leader and one who had a passion for excellence in nursing throughout the Territory.  She was an advocate for higher education, so she sought out opportunities and opened doors for many nurses. She was approachable, caring, a stickler for patient care, and always provided guidance to nurses and the members of the BVI Nurses Association.

Mrs. Georges also served as an editor and contributing writer for various Government publications throughout the years. Some topics she has written on include:  Developments in Health during the past 25 Years; Hope Stevens; Women in the Legislature; Health at a Glance; and Trinita – A Nurse Remembered.

Whether it was serving as a staff nurse, psychiatric nurse, Chief Nursing Officer, Clinical Psychologist, writer, or representing the Territory regionally or internationally, one thing is certain, Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges was an outstanding citizen of the Virgin Islands. Her name is etched in the Territory’s history for her significant contributions to the various aspects of the health services sector and the care and compassion with which she carried out her duties.  

I extend condolences to her children Noni and Kamau, her granddaughter, Eden, her siblings, the wider Frett and Malone families on her passing.