Honouring the Heartbeat of Healthcare
Following the warm and heartfelt celebrations of Mother’s Day weekend, this year’s International Nurses Day was commemorated yesterday, May 12.
This week, as St. Maarten turns its attention to this deserving group that embodies love, care, and selflessness, the island’s healthcare community gathered on the picturesque patio of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) yesterday to honour the incredible efforts of those who give tirelessly to the health and wellbeing of our community. Under the theme “Our Future - Our Nurses - The Economic Power of Care”, nurses and healthcare professionals were recognized for their invaluable contributions during a beautiful ceremony marked by an outpouring of appreciation for these unsung heroes who work day and night to ensure our safety and recovery.
The celebration kicked off at 10:00am with the official flag hoisting ceremony, presented by the SXM Nurses Foundation, symbolizing the unity and pride of nurses across St. Maarten. This was followed by a warm welcome address by the emcee, Nurse Candida Williams of the Health Information Center (HIC). The ceremony then took a reflective turn with an opening prayer, led by Nurse Karen St. Marie from the Dialysis Unit. This was followed by a moving poem, recited by Nurse Lashanor Richardson from Paediatrics, which touched on the delicate balance between care and compassion that nurses provide each day.
Dr. Felix Holiday, a representative from the SMMC Board of Directors, gave the remarks on behalf of management, expressing the institution’s deep gratitude to the nursing staff. His words were echoed by the Honourable Health Minister Richinel Brug, who spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA). The Minister acknowledged the nurses’ tireless commitment to patient care and emphasized their essential role in the future of the healthcare system.
The celebration continued with a skit, performed by the Outpatient Department, illustrating the often-overlooked challenges and moments of joy that nurses experience. Nurse Jacqueline Berkel, President of the Windward Islands Health Care Union Association (WIHCUA), delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of WIHCUA, highlighting the global need for better support and recognition for nurses everywhere. Similarly, Nurse Natasha Carty, President of the SXM Nurses Association, took to the stage to share her words of gratitude and admiration for her fellow nurses.
In a stirring moment, SMMC nurses also showcased their talents with a beautiful musical rendition reaffirming that nurses are not only healers, but also artistes in the art of care. The event culminated with the nurses’ pledge, recited by Nurse Mae Zurita from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. This sacred vow reaffirmed the nurses’ ongoing commitment to their profession, their patients, and their communities.
Words of encouragement were then shared by Nurse Sherryl Carty of OBGYN/Paediatrics, who inspired everyone in attendance to continue pushing forward no matter the challenges. Finally, Antonio Pantophlet and Christina Jacobs-Berkel, both esteemed nursing professionals, offered closing remarks, reminding everyone that National Nurses Day is not just a celebration of one profession, but also the recognition of a collective commitment to care, health and healing.
St. Maarten’s nurses are not just medical caregivers – they are pillars of the community, guiding families through crises, helping those in need and providing hope when it is needed most. They often play the nurturing roles; they are the friendly faces when needed the most; they are the silent warriors behind every recovery, every success story, and every life saved. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Their work is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally taxing, spending long hours on their feet, often forgoing their own needs to ensure the safety and comfort of their patients.
Beyond their clinical skills, nurses bring humanity into the hospital rooms, creating bonds that can last a lifetime with their patients and patients’ families. We must continue to invest in their wellbeing, their education and their professional development. So, as we move forward, let us honour these incredible individuals not just on National Nurses Day, but every day of the year.
Happy International Nurses Day to all the nurses of St. Maarten! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the health and future of our community!
