The Dominica Nursing Council and the Ministry of Health came together this week to honor local nurses who completed over 80 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), part of a national push to elevate healthcare service and retain talent in the face of international recruitment.
During a ceremony attended by Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Cassanni Laville, Shirley Augustine, President of the General Nursing Council (GNC), praised the recipients for their dedication to service despite growing pressures and limited resources. “These nurses are pillars of our healthcare system,” she said, calling on the public to show appreciation for their work.
Minister Laville acknowledged the growing challenge of healthcare worker migration, with Dominican nurses in high demand in countries such as the UK, Canada, and the United States. “We understand the global demand for their expertise,” he said, “but we must also work to create conditions that make them want to stay.”
The event also served as a moment to reflect on broader systemic needs, including better pay, workplace support, and improved infrastructure. Laville promised that the Ministry would continue lobbying for more investment in the sector and would seek to improve morale through recognition and dialogue.
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