ST. EUSTATIUS–Nurses Day was observed with a ceremony Friday at Queen Beatrix Medical Center (QBMC) for all nurses on St. Eustatius. Dignitaries present at the event were Island Councilwomen Rechelline Leerdam and Adelka Spanner, board member of St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation SHCF Devon Pandt and other invited guests.
Gershon Herrera opened the ceremony, after which a minute of silence was observed for nurses who have passed on. SHCF Director Gerard Berkel congratulated the nurses. He made a special mention of nurses in training, to which he said: “You have chosen a wonderful profession and a wonderful journey to embark on. I wish you lots of success and I look forward to seeing you here year after year as we celebrate Nurses Day.”
In reference to the theme of 2017 Nurses Day “A voice to lead, achieving sustainable development goals,” Berkel applauded Statia’s nurses for their efforts, as well as the tireless hours that they work, the dedication that they have to their colleagues, to their patients, and to the community of Statia.
Dr. Gerwin Schobbe also called for a moment of silence for those that are no longer here. He said that these nurses served on Statia in the dark times, when there was no electricity, and their work was very “tough.”
He said Statia has its own “Florence Nightingales,” mentioning a few names of nurses who passed, such as the late Olive Patrick, Esperance Lijfrock, Gloria Brown, Irma Timmer, Lydia Dinzey, Rosa and Teresa Courtar, Viola van Zanten, and Rosemary Schmidt. He also mentioned former nurses Viera Simmons, Inez Shaw, Philomina Bradshaw, Elfrieda Maduro-Merkman, Ann Courtar, Ethelda Woodley, Gloria Pers, Daphne Courtar, Millie Hooker, Landa Woodley, Brenda van Putten, Rita Dembrook, and Clara Carty.
The highlight of the event was a musical rendition by Gershon Herrara, who is also a nurse in training under Acting Head Nurse Syulaika Saures-Fortin. Dr. Sharda Baboe then greeted all the nurses on the island in the various department. She said nurses are role models in making Statia a healthier place to live.
Executive Assistant to Commissioner of Health Charles Woodley Berlushyne van Putten spoke on behalf of the Commissioner who was off island. She congratulated all nurses and extended to them a Happy Nurses Day and complimented them on the “terrific job” they are doing.
Two nurses were honoured for their hard work and dedication, namely Glenda Woodley-Bennett and Acting Head Nurse Saures-Fortin.
The ceremony, which was concluded with a breakfast at Golden Era Hotel, included various poems and songs by various nurses and other QBMC staff members.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/65943-nurses-honoured-for-their-hard-work-and-dedication
View comments
Hide comments