NASSAU, The Bahamas - The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health ad Wellness extolled the virtues of nurses, comparing their qualities and sturdiness to 'diamonds'.  He also reaffirmed commitment to transforming the healthcare system throughout the country, as outlined in the government’s Blueprint for Change when he addressed the 3rd Biennial Zenith Awards Banquet, hosted by the Nurses' Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (NACB), at Atlantis Ballroom, Paradise Island, on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

The event honoured the Nurses’ Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on its 75th Anniversary, under the theme: 'Celebrating Excellence in Nursing Service.'

It also celebrated the achievements of 75 deserving nurses who serve in various sectors of the healthcare system.

The Hon. Myles LaRoda, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, brought congratulatory remarks as he represented the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis.

The Minister of Health said: “Tonight, we pay tribute to the dynamic roles nurses play in the successful promotion of health and wellness in our society. When most people hear the word, 'nurse' there are several standard thoughts that come to mind."

Those standards he highlighted were caring, committed and courageous -- as exhibited by nurses particularly over the past few years during Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The honourees of the evening over the years have exemplified the art of being caring, committed and courageous.  Their contributions to the delivery of quality healthcare have earned them recognition tonight with awards that carry titles such as distinguished, excellence, leader and innovator,” Dr. Darville said.

He also encouraged the honourees to continue to excel as servant leaders, and quoted John Ruskin’s: “The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

Acknowledging the challenges the country faced over the past three years and the impact on the healthcare system, Dr. Darville said he admired the quality of services delivered by nurses.

“Our nurses must also be applauded for their ability to adjust and continue the drive to help others,” he said.

Dr. Darville also reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming the healthcare system throughout the country.

“As outlined in our Blueprint for Change, the transformative healthcare agenda is a priority of this government.  As your Minister of Health & Wellness, it is my mandate to provide safe, modernized healthcare environments with trained personnel throughout our archipelago.

He noted that clinics and health facilities here on New Providence and throughout the Family Islands are currently undergoing infrastructural repairs and upgrades.  And, the steps towards two new state-of-the-art hospitals are well in progress.  Other measures he outlined were new legislation -- such as the Mental Health Bill has been passed, and the Nurses and Midwives Bill has been tabled.  Additionally, a new Nurses Industrial Agreement has been signed, and further training is being made available for nurses.

“It is recognized that if we require excellence from our labour force, then it is the government’s duty to provide the space, manpower and resources necessary to facilitate this requirement.  I am excited about the way forward and what we can further achieve together,” Dr. Darville said.

He then congratulated the Nurses’ Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on its 75th Anniversary.

Also referred to as the 'Diamond Anniversary,' Dr. Darville described nurses as diamonds, one of the most precious gems on earth known for clarity, durability and beauty.

“They become more brilliant under pressure.  They are found in varying colours, shapes and sizes and despite the variations they are highly sought after in every country on the globe. Sounds to me like a synonym for a diamond could easily be a nurse,” he said.  

The 3rd Biennial Zenith Awards Banquet, hosted by the Nurses' Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (NACB), was held at Atlantis Ballroom, Paradise Island, on Saturday, December 10, 2022 during which nurses received high honours.  

BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside