Bright Futures Celebrated at the LASCO/NAJ Nurse & Nursing Student of the Year Awards 2025

Male Nursing Student Runners-Up Take Centre Stage in Historic Ceremony

The 10 finalists for 2025-2026 LASCO, NAJ Nursing Student of the Year received certificates of participation and gift baskets courtesy of LASCO. Pictured (from left) Kemeshia McKennis-Sutherland and Tiana Frazer, Knox Community College School of Nursing; Chevon Anderson and Patrice Taylor, EXED School of Nursing; Aliandra Carnegie, Caribbean School of Nursing (UTech); Anastassia Harris and Malik Monroe, University of West Indies School of Nursing; Colie Lyn and Brown’s Town Community College School of Nursing and Okeive Matheson, University of Technology, Western Campus.

The spirit of excellence, compassion, and leadership in Jamaica’s healthcare system was on full display on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the acclaimed LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year and Nursing Student of the Year Awards, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Organised by the LASCO Chin Foundation (LCF) in collaboration  with the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ, the ceremony marked a key highlight of Founder’s Day celebrations and Nurses Week, under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”

The event featured keynote remarks by Professor Adella Campbell, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH), who emphasised the critical need to invest in nurses not only for the sustainability of healthcare systems but also for the future of national development.

In a moving moment, Colie Lyn, a third-year nursing student at Brown’s Town Community College was crowned Nursing Student of the Year 2025-2026. A consistent academic high-achiever and merit list awardee in CAPE Spanish, Lyn’s passion for cardiology and nephrology, along with her dedication to learning and patient care, deeply impressed the judging panel. She also received sectional awards for Public Speaking and 10/10 Clinical Skills.

The spotlight also shone brightly on two outstanding male student nurses: 1st Runner-Up Nursing Student of the Year Okeive Matheson, from the University of Technology, Jamaica (Western Campus), a third-year student known for his civic-minded leadership, cultural engagement, and community service initiatives including health fairs, youth mentorship, and environment outreach and 2nd Runner-Up Nursing Student of the Year Chevon Anderson, a proud recipient of the Barrington Wint Scholarship and third-year student at EXED School of Nursing, his drive to uplift communities through evidence-based care was celebrated as a testament to purpose and perseverance.

Matheson and Anderson were two of three male nursing student finalists, the third was Malik Munroe of the University of the West Indies School of Nursing. Their recognition marked a powerful moment for male representation in nursing and inspired many in attendance.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, presents a symbolic cheque valued at JM $200,000.00 to Fione Joy Collins, who was named the 2025 Nurse of the Year at the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year & Nursing Student of the Year Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Serving as Deputy Director of Nursing Services at Percy Junor Hospital, Fione Joy Collins was officially named the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year 2025-2026. With more than 25 years of experience in nursing and a deep-rooted commitment to service, mentorship, and ministry, Collins has earned the respect of her colleagues and community alike.

Her extensive training includes a Master of Science in Nursing Education from UWI, along with certifications in General Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Midwifery, Clinical Instruction, Nursing Administration, and Healthcare Leadership. She is also a graduate of Bethel Bible College, where she completed advanced studies in Evangelism, Biblical Preaching, and Interpretation. A woman of faith, Collins remains deeply engaged in community and church life, serving as an Evangelist, Praise & Worship Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and President of Family Life Ministries at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God.

Also receiving honours this year were Machel Samora Edwards Lewis, a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife and Neonatology Nurse at Mandeville Regional Hospital and Antonette Bent, Charge Nurse in the Emergency Room at the University Hospital of the West Indies – the first and second runners-up for Nurse of the Year respectively.

Chief Nursing Officer Patricia Ingram Martin, representing the Ministry of Health & Wellness, offered greetings and commendations, while Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the nursing profession. In a heartfelt message to the nation’s nurses, she reminded them, “You are seen. You are loved. You are valued.”

As the curtains closed, newly awarded honourees vowed to continue uplifting the nursing profession, transforming lives, and leading with compassion and integrity.