“The development of robust, responsive, and resilient health systems cannot be achieved without the involvement of nurses, midwives and other related sectors.”
Helen Royer, Director of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat
Monday 19 August 2024 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown): The advancement of nursing and midwifery policies and plans to improve the quality of nursing education and practice within the Caribbean Community was the focus of the 51st Annual General Meeting of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB).
The CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Belize, hosted the meeting from 5 to 7 August at the San Ignacio Resort in the Cayo District, Belize. The Hon. Kevin Bernard, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness; Dr Julio Sabido, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness of Belize; Chief Nursing Officers from the Region, Nursing Council representatives and other public health stakeholders were in attendance.
The three-day event facilitated deliberations on critical public health issues related to the education and practice of nursing and midwifery, including the results of the April sitting of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR), development of the Draft Policy to address the migration of healthcare workers in the Caribbean, harmonisation of midwifery education and practice, and progress made in updating the Standards for Nursing Education and Practice.
Nurses and other public health practitioners also provided input on the Draft Policy Brief on the Number of Chances to Re-sit the RENR. This policy will help to improve the accessibility of the examination to candidates and increase their chances of entering the healthcare workforce.
In her remarks, which were delivered virtually, Ms Helen Royer, Director of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, highlighted that Hurricane Beryl devastated and disrupted the lives of people in the affected Member States, a stark reminder of the need for the development of robust, responsive, and resilient health systems.
“This cannot be achieved without the involvement of nurses, midwives and other related sectors,” stated Ms Royer. “The Secretariat reiterates its expression of solidarity and support for the affected Member States. Our solidarity also remains with Ms Nester Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer of Grenada and Chair of the Regional Nursing Body, who was unable to attend this meeting. I have looked at the various country reports and have taken note of the cross-cutting issues that we are tackling, which will require a holistic and collaborative effort.”
The Director emphasised that the CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to fully supporting the RNB’s initiatives and development through policy advancement, advocacy, and strategic collaboration, with the overarching aim of better health outcomes for the people of the Caribbean Community.
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What is the Regional Nursing Body?
