The emergency and after care services provided by various health workers in Anguilla following the shooting and wounding of seven young men at Blowing Point on Monday night, July 22, have not gone unnoticed.
The first recognition of the services of the staff came from Chief Minister and Minister of Health, Hubert Hughes. The letter, dated July 24, to the staff read as follows:
“On the night of Monday, 22nd July, Anguilla experienced the most horrific incident when seven young men were shot by persons who care little about human life. I am very humbled and appreciative of the unity and response of all retired nurses and Dr Lowell Hughes who willingly committed their services in Anguilla’s hour of greatest need.
“These young men suffered a variety of injuries from minor to critical. Through the diligent, hard work and professionalism of the staff at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and God’s blessings, all of them survived.
“Some of the young men were flown off the island for further medical treatment but it was your hard work that preserved life.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your heroic life-saying efforts.”
The second expression of appreciation was from Mrs MeridithGumbs, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority of Anguilla, while speaking at the Performance Review on July 25. She observed that there were a number of instances where the dedication of the health workers was praiseworthy, and singled out a particular occasion. She made the following statement:
“One such instance was very evident when all categories of staff worked tirelessly into the hours of the morning ensuring that the seven victims [of the shooting] received the highest level of care that our organisation, a secondary medical institution, is capable of providing. Our staff must be commended for the valiant efforts and the team work that were demonstrated during those difficult times.”
