Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) celebrates 32 years
June 14, 2010
Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Anthony Johnson has commended the Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) on their 32nd anniversary of service to Jamaican and other ethnic minority nurses in the UK.
At a Service of Thanksgiving, held at the West Croydon Methodist Church in Surrey, England, on Sunday, June 13, High Commissioner Johnson hailed the nurses for their contribution to healthcare in Britain and for the philanthropic role they continue to play in Jamaica.
He described the nurses as leaders in society and urged them to continue to play a significant role in society by encouraging family life and the development of high moral values.
He used the opportunity to provide the congregation with an update on the crime fighting measures being undertaken in Jamaica. He noted that the majority of Jamaicans are law abiding citizens who have no reason to fear the law.
He said: “Most Jamaicans want an opportunity to prosper in an environment that is crime free. The government is taking the necessary measures to ensure that that becomes a reality. The security forces are working hard to rid the society of gangs and other criminal elements who are determined to create mayhem in society.”
He said the security forces were having good levels of success with the recovery of large numbers of guns and ammunition.”
President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) Miss Paulette Lewis, said the organisation has been a bedrock of support for Jamaican and other ethnic minority nurses in the UK. “This organisation was started by seven nurses in their living room 32 years ago. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and has provided countless services to nurses in the UK while supporting numerous charitable ventures in Jamaica. We encourage our nurses to make best use of the opportunities that exist in the National Health Service (NHS) here in the UK by becoming prepared for service through education and personal development. We also encourage them to share their knowledge and experiences with their communities in Jamaica.”
Among the entities in Jamaica that benefit from the NAJ (UK) are Seaside Basic School in Hector’s River, Portland, St Andrew’s Girls’ Home in Kingston as well as health and education projects which target street children.
The Association has more than 200 members spread across three branches located in London, Nottingham and Birmingham. It holds professional affiliation with the Royal College of Nursing in the UK and the Nurses Association of Jamaica, in Jamaica.
Miss Lewis said new ethnic minority entrants to the profession in the UK still faced major challenges and the Association remained committed to providing mentorship and guidance. “Things have improved over the years but we still do not see the numbers in terms of promotion and moving up to the higher ranks. We will continue to make sure our nurses are fully equipped and able to compete on every level.”
In delivering the main message, Rev. Dr Ebute Obiabo challenged the nurses to remain compassionate and true to their calling, even in the face of adversity and mounting challenges.
The Jamaica Information Service web site address is www.jis.gov.jm.
Telephone: (876) 926-3740-8 / 926-3590-8, Fax: (876) 754-4051