Anguilla’s healthcare community marked International Nurses Day 2026, with more than speeches and ceremonies on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, as nurses from across the region gathered on the island in a spirited show of collaboration, learning and Caribbean unity.
Observed under the national theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care”, this year’s commemoration placed the spotlight not only on the compassion and dedication of nurses, but also on the critical role the profession plays in strengthening societies and economies throughout the region.
The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports joined the international observance by recognising the work of nurses across Anguilla, praising their professionalism, resilience and continued commitment to patient care and public health advancement. In its message, the Ministry stressed that nursing is far more than a service profession, describing it as a strategic pillar of national resilience and sustainable development.
Bringing an added sense of occasion to the observance was the arrival of a 33-member delegation from the St. Maarten Nurses Association. Their visit, facilitated through the Caribbean Nurses Organization under the leadership of Region II Director Ms. Carol Bart-Elliott, transformed the annual observance into a meaningful regional exchange centred on professional development, solidarity and the sharing of ideas between Caribbean healthcare workers.
Throughout the day, the visiting nurses toured Anguilla’s primary and secondary healthcare institutions, observing clinical practices and gaining insight into the island’s approach to patient care. The exchange offered both delegations an opportunity to compare systems, discuss best practices and explore ways Caribbean nations can continue supporting one another in an increasingly demanding healthcare environment.
Chief Nursing Officer Ms. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson welcomed the delegation warmly, emphasising the growing importance of regional cooperation within Caribbean healthcare.
“Professionals learning from one another, supporting one another, and building relationships that extend beyond borders to improve patient care and promote the best practices across the region — that is the kind of cooperation Caribbean healthcare increasingly depends on,” she said.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports, Mrs. Bradshaw-Richardson encouraged nurses to continue investing in professional growth and regional engagement, particularly through participation in Caribbean Nurses Organization conferences.
“We are very instrumental for our profession because that is where we learn what’s happening around the region,” she said. “That’s how we can strategise so they can carry those ideas to the regional nursing body.”
She also urged nurses not to let opportunities for professional networking pass them by.
“Sometimes we have to invest in ourselves to make our work life a little better,” she remarked, drawing agreement and laughter from the audience during her lively and personable address.
The event carried an atmosphere that was both professional and deeply human, blending healthcare discussions with camaraderie and celebration. Mrs. Bradshaw-Richardson expressed hope that the brief visit would foster long-lasting friendships among nurses from both islands and strengthen ties within the regional nursing community.
One of the visiting nurses, Nurse Monique Gumbs of St. Maarten, described the experience as “warm and insightful” after touring Anguilla’s healthcare facilities. She spoke highly of the organisation and structure observed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, particularly praising the island’s standards surrounding nurse and patient conduct as well as dress code regulations.
Nurse Gumbs noted that some of the practices she observed could potentially be adapted within healthcare facilities in St. Maarten.
Beyond her nursing duties, Nurse Gumbs is also the founder of The GBNM Nanny Nurssy Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, which provides assistance to vulnerable residents including the elderly, homeless and sick. The foundation offers food, clothing and personal care services and has been supported largely through her own efforts after more than three decades of volunteer work.
Following the formal tours and discussions, the atmosphere shifted from clinical to celebratory as the Anguilla and St. Maarten nurses gathered at The National Green Space for an afternoon of fellowship, food and friendly competition.
The event quickly evolved into a lively fun day, with participants enthusiastically taking part in sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, egg-and-spoon races, ball throws and other team-building games. Laughter echoed across the grounds as healthcare professionals, often accustomed to high-pressure environments, embraced a rare opportunity to unwind together.
The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports has invited the public to continue recognising the invaluable contributions nurses make daily toward the wellbeing of communities across Anguilla.
This year’s International Nurses Day observance served as a reminder that while nurses are often celebrated for their compassion at the bedside, their impact stretches much further — shaping stronger healthcare systems, supporting regional cooperation and helping build healthier Caribbean societies for the future.
By Janissa Fleming
