Nurse Joan Carty of South Valley is a stalwart veteran of the healthcare field, having commenced her service at the old Cottage Hospital, atop Crocus Hill, at the tender age of twenty. On Tuesday, October 28th, Nurse Joan was recognized by the Department of Social Development for her many years of dedicated service, as part of the Department’s honouring of senior workers during October, designated as the Month of Older Persons.
Two officers from the Department of Social Development – Clive Frankie Smith and Kerlyn Webster, bestowed the honour on Nurse Joan. They presented her with a certificate for her commitment in the field of healthcare, as well as a lovely basket of fruits.
Mr. Smith said: “Today it is our honour to recognize the longstanding healthcare service of Nurse Joan Carty. During this month of October, we have been focusing on remembering the public service of seniors whose work has impacted the development of our communities down through the years.
“The United Nations, this year, has suggested that we honor older persons for their contributions to our societies. Obviously, in our society older persons have encouraged us to serve God and to have respect for life. Such respect needs to be instilled in our younger ones and restored in our societies today.”
Both Mr. Smith and Ms. Webster applauded Nurse Joan for her willingness to serve the people of Anguilla in the healthcare profession. “Even after she had retired from being an active nurse in the healthcare system,” Mr. Smith reflected, “Nurse Joan was called upon to serve in long-term healthcare. She rendered a remarkable stint of service at the Rosewood Center Nursing Home on the east side of the island, and it is in this capacity, more so, that we recognize her today.” He noted that she is being honoured along with five other nurses who have been recognized during the month of October.
The inscription on the nurse’s certificate was ceremoniously read to her by Ms. Webster: “Certificate of Appreciation – This certificate is proudly awarded to Nurse Joan Carty in honour and recognition of your dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to long-term care in Anguilla.”
Nurse Joan thanked Mr. Smith, Ms. Webster and the Department of Social Development at large for remembering her years of service. “I began serving as a nurse at the age of 20,” she recalled. “My service began at the Cottage Hospital in 1960. Sometime later, I moved over to the existing Princess Alexandra Hospital. Overall, I did exactly 40 years in active nursing service, retiring in the year 2000. Then, for eleven years, from 2013 to 2024, I worked at the Rosewood Seniors Home. I found my work in the field of healthcare to be particularly rewarding.”
In 2022, Nurse Joan was awarded with the Anguilla Day Badge of Honour, and in that same year she received an award for her longstanding service during a special Nursing Awards Ceremony.
