Eleven students at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School graduated from the National Nurse Cadet Programme in a show of pomp and ceremony on April 27. The training, in pursuit of nursing excellence, is now in its third year and is aimed at stimulating local interest in the profession among the island’s young people of school age.
The programme, an effort by the Ministry of Health and the Health Authority of Anguilla, is sponsored by NAGICO, with Viceroy Anguilla hosting some aspects of the training as well as the graduation ceremony.
The ceremony, under the theme “Nurse Cadets – A Work In Progress for Nursing”, commenced with a procession of the graduands and was chaired by Dr.Vonetta George.
Acting Manager of NAGICO in Anguilla, Carlyn Carty, said in part: “Our Company appreciates and prides itself in playing a vital role in community development and, as such, making a positive contribution to the health care service and youth enhancement throughout the Caribbean including Anguilla.”
She commended Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Serene Carter-Davis, for introducing the Cadet Programme and the Health Authority Board and the Patient Care Committee which approved it. “We hope that the Nursing Cadet Programme will continue to capture the interest of our young people and inspire growth within the nursing programme,” Ms. Carty added.
A motivational speech was delivered by Mrs.Meridith Gumbs, Human Resources Manager with the Health Authority. She described the training which the cadets had startedas a work in progress leading to a career in nursing. She advised them to focus on their goals; accept responsibility for their lives; make sensible choices and take one step at a time.
The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Clovette Coley, Public Health Nurse and District Manager. She traced the early history of nursing – and its development over the years – and spoke of its noble contribution to health services throughout the world. She was pleased with the involvement of the cadets in the nursing programme, and encouraged other young persons to participate in the training which generally covers the period September to March each year.
The presentation of Certificates and Awardswas performed by Nurses Serene Carter-Davis, Ms Ingrid Queeley and Mrs. Alicia Haywood.
Others who participated in the ceremony were Pastor Philip Gumbs who delivered the invocation; Registered Nurse Mrs Sherline Heredia-Ross, who gave the welcome remarks;Kashamar Lewis, Cadet of the Year, who spoke about her appreciation of the programme; and Ms.Erdelle Fleming, Registered Nurse/Midwife and Operating Theatre Manager, who delivered the Vote of Thanks.
