Nurses Celebrated as Unsung Heroes at International Nurses' Day Luncheon

One-two-three! (From left) Danielle Cunningham, Marketing and Communications Manager at LASCO Affiliated Companies, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, Dawn Marie Richards, President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) and Abigail James, LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025, share a celebratory moment cutting the cake at the end of the International Nurses Day activities.

It was a heartfelt afternoon of reflection, recognition, and reverence as Jamaica’s nurses were honoured at the International Nurses' Day luncheon, hosted by the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) in partnership with the LASCO Chin Foundation. The event paid special tribute to the nation’s healthcare professionals, who continue to serve with unwavering dedication and compassion.

The luncheon formed part of a broader celebration of International Nurses Day, held annually on May 12 – the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The programme began with a fervent invocation by Mrs. Corlette Francis Spencer, Treasurer of the NAJ, setting a reflective tone for the occasion.  This was followed by the welcome and introduction by Mrs. Meisha Young Lewars, Assistant Recording Secretary, NAJ, and a thoughtful overview of this year’s Nurses’ Week theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” delivered by LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025, Abigail James. Her presentation underscored the global importance of investing in nurses as the lifeblood of healthcare systems and thriving economies - an insight that was applauded and supported by Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, underscores the vital link between investing in nurses and building stronger, more resilient economies, aligning powerfully with the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies” for International Nurses’ Day.

Professor Hamilton highlighted LASCO’s sustained investment in the nursing profession, describing it as “a shining example of how the private sector can lead with purpose.” Highlighting the annual LASCO, NAJ Nurse and Nursing Student of the Year Awards, the foundation’s CEO noted that the initiative has become more than a ceremony but more of a symbol of national gratitude and an important mechanism for inspiring excellence in the profession. “Through meaningful investments and sustained engagement, LASCO not only has uplifted the profession, but amplified its voice,” she said.

She concluded with a call to action for continued public-private collaboration: “We must also ensure that our nurses work in environments that are safe, supportive, and worthy of their commitment and sacrifice. As we celebrate these heroes today on International Nurses Day and the upcoming National Nurses Week in July, let us remember that supporting nurses is not a one-day event - it is a continuous national priority. Looking ahead, the LASCO Chin Foundation reaffirms our dedication to nurses across Jamaica. Our future depends on the health of our people, and the health of our people depends on the strength, skill, and spirit of our nurses.”

Following the CEO’s address, the nurses were treated to a heartfelt tribute by Saxophonist Andrene Brown, whose moving rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings, struck an emotional chord with attendees - an apt musical salute to the selfless spirit of nursing.

In one of the afternoon’s most synergistic moments, nurses representing the four regions engaged in a creative competition where they composed and performed jingles based on the 2025 theme. The performances were a blend of energy, pride, and humour – showcasing the vibrancy and unity of the nursing fraternity.

In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month, nurses who are lupus survivors were invited to come forward and receive a special token of appreciation, presented by the Honourable Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness at the recent International Nurses’ Day luncheon and press briefing.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, also saluted the nurses for their unwavering commitment, dubbing them “true heroes” whose work remains essential to the well-being of Jamaicans. He noted that their courage, care, and consistency form the backbone of Jamaica’s healthcare system, particularly in challenging times.

Actress and cultural advocate Miss Dahlia Harris, delivering the keynote address, stirred the room with powerful words that echoed the collective sentiment of the nation, “Heroes’ names and identities are often unknown — in the same way people just know you as ‘nurse’. Because being a nurse is not just what you do, but who you are.” Her moving message served as a reminder of the quiet heroism and the invisible capes worn daily by nurses across Jamaica.

President of the NAJ, Mrs. Dawn Marie Richards expressed gratitude for the continued support and recognition.

The LASCO Chin Foundation encourages Jamaicans to continue showing appreciation to nurses not just on special occasions, but every day – because behind every healed patient is a nurse whose name you may never know, but whose impact lasts a lifetime.