Pictured with health services retirees seated from left to right, front row, are: Sandra M. Russell, Assistant Hospital Administrator, Rand Memorial Hospital (RMH); Ms. Cheryl Bain, Principal Nursing Officer (RMH); Mrs. Catherine Weech, Hospital Administrator (RMH); Minister Shane Gibson; Herbert Brown, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority (PHA); and Dr. Paul Ward, Medical Chief of Staff. (BIS Photo/Phillip A. Curry)
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FREEPORT,
Grand Bahama – In congratulating retiring health care workers in Grand Bahama,
Minister of Labour, National Insurance and the Public Service, the Hon. D.
Shane Gibson stated that the Government of The Bahamas is working towards the
establishment of National Health Insurance.
He noted, “this is a pivotal time in our country – as we look at recent
reports in 2010, they said over 600 persons died as a result of not having
access to affordable health care.”
Minister
Gibson was guest speaker at the Grand Bahama Health Services Retirement Dinner
held Friday at Le Chateau on the Green in Freeport.
He congratulated
and paid tribute to all who have dedicated so many years of public service in
the health care profession. “The quality and invaluable service to the Grand
Bahama community cannot be expressed with words,” he said.
Minister
Gibson said a special thank you to the nurses for often making what seemed
impossible, possible. He spoke of his personal experience with the health care
service and how nurses do so much with so little, at times.
He
told the retirees “as you reflect over your lives, it is my hope that you would
have fond memories of your time spent working in the health care industry. Your
theme for tonight’s retirement dinner, ‘Globe Trotting- A World of Wonder
Awaits,’ is most appropriate. Yes, a
world of wonder awaits you. Retirement is a new opportunity for you to start
new and exciting projects, spend more quality time with loved ones, family and
friends, travel the world, and to live your dreams. This is your time to invest
in you. You have earned it.”
Health
Services Retirees are: George Rolle (47 years); Delores Frazier (43 years);
Pearline Young (42 years); Ingrid Moncur (40 years); Audrey Rolle (39 years);
Fiano Hudson (35 years); Dr. Pavuluri Babu (34 years); Nathaniel Cary (30
years); Priscilla Williams (27 years); John Burrows (26 years); Charles Johnson
(12 years); Otlin Stuart (8 years); and Sheila Demeritte (8 years).