The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Anguilla Red Cross, has officially relaunched the Nurse Cadet Programme, reviving a longstanding initiative designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in nursing and healthcare while strengthening Anguilla’s future health workforce.
The Nurse Cadet Programme was first established by the Ministry of Health over fifteen years ago and successfully introduced numerous young people to the nursing and health professions before becoming dormant. Recognising the continued need to develop a sustainable pipeline of future healthcare professionals, the Ministry, began planning for the programme’s revival as part of its ongoing commitment to nursing workforce development.
At the same time, the Anguilla Red Cross had established its Youth Red Cross Programme in October 2025 under the dedicated leadership of Ms. Meryem Ceylan and Ms. Glenda Samuel. Since its inception, the group has been actively engaged in a structured programme focused on humanitarian service, leadership development, and life-saving skills.
Over the past several months, Youth Red Cross participants successfully completed an orientation programme and the Red Cross Ideals in Action training, deepening their understanding of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement and humanitarian service. They also earned certification in Paediatric First Aid, equipping them with essential emergency response skills that remain valid for two years.
Recognising that communication is a cornerstone of both healthcare and humanitarian service, members of Toastmasters generously facilitated a Communication Skills Workshop, enabling participants to build confidence in public speaking, interpersonal communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Building on this strong foundation, the relaunched Nurse Cadet Programme under the stewardship of Chief Nursing Officer, Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson and Alicia Haywood Director of Nursing Services, participants were provided with structured learning experiences through a series of interactive sessions, including: Introduction to Nursing and Exploring Careers in Healthcare; Communication, Professionalism and the Patient Experience; and Safety, Infection Prevention and Basic Clinical Skills.
Participants will now progress to supervised observational experiences and mentoring opportunities within the Department of Health Services, allowing them to gain first-hand exposure to nursing practice while developing professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports, Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Coordinator Ms. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson welcomed the relaunch of the programme.
“The Ministry is delighted to see the return of the Nurse Cadet Programme and to partner with the Anguilla Red Cross in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Introducing young people to nursing at an early stage allows them to appreciate the diverse opportunities within the profession while developing life skills that will benefit them regardless of the career path they ultimately choose. We look forward to mentoring these young people throughout their secondary school years and supporting them as they explore careers in healthcare.”
Youth Coordinator of the Anguilla Red Cross, Ms. Glenda Samuel, praised the dedication demonstrated by participants.
“Our Youth Red Cross members have embraced every opportunity presented to them with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to serve. Watching them grow in confidence, compassion, and leadership has been truly rewarding. The Nurse Cadet Programme perfectly complements the humanitarian values of the Red Cross and provides another avenue for our youth to make meaningful contributions to their communities while exploring future careers in healthcare.”
Director of the Anguilla Red Cross, Ms. Pamela Riley, reflected on how the partnership came together. “What began as a conversation about creating opportunities for our Youth Red Cross members quickly evolved into something even more meaningful. When I approached Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson to discuss the possibility of introducing a Candy Striper Programme, I learned that the Ministry was already working to revive its longstanding Nurse Cadet Programme. Rather than creating something new, we recognised the opportunity to strengthen an existing initiative through partnership. Embedding the Nurse Cadet Programme within the Youth Red Cross creates a sustainable model that will continue to benefit young people for many years to come. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports for its vision, leadership, and commitment to investing in Anguilla’s future healthcare workforce.”
The Anguilla Red Cross extend sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports, The Department of Health Services, healthcare professionals, Toastmasters facilitators, volunteers, mentors, and parents whose dedication and expertise have contributed to the successful relaunch of the Nurse Cadet Programme.
As the programme continues, participants will engage in additional educational activities, mentorship opportunities, and supervised healthcare experiences that will deepen their understanding of the nursing profession while strengthening the leadership, humanitarian values, and commitment to service that are central to both nursing and the Red Cross Movement.
