BVI Hosts Regional Nursing Leaders for High-Level
The Ministry of Health and Social Development successfully hosted the Fifty-Fourth Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Practice Committee of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) from March 23–26 under the theme “Bridging Divides, Driving Reform.” Delegates from across CARICOM met to strengthen governance, education, regulation and partnerships for nursing and midwifery; officials highlighted the Territory’s 93 percent HPV vaccination coverage and the unique frontline role of nurses in Jost Van Dyke and Anegada (Ministry of Health and Social Development).
The Virgin Islands welcomed senior nursing and midwifery leaders from across CARICOM when the Ministry of Health and Social Development hosted the Fifty-Fourth Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Practice Committee of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) from March 23–26.
The four‑day meeting convened under the theme “Bridging Divides, Driving Reform: Caribbean Nursing and Midwifery at the Forefront of Change.” (Ministry of Health and Social Development) In opening remarks, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley stressed the essential role nurses in the region play. “Nurses remain the backbone of our health systems,” he said, noting that across the Caribbean they respond to emergencies, support families, promote public health and ensure services reach vulnerable communities.
The Minister also pointed to local realities in the BVI, where nurses in Jost Van Dyke and Anegada frequently serve as the sole 24‑hour providers, delivering both primary and emergency care. (Minister Vincent Wheatley/Ministry of Health and Social Development) Representatives at the meeting included Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers, regulators, educators and partners from PAHO/WHO, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the University of the West Indies.
Discussions focused on strengthening governance, advancing nursing and midwifery education, improving regulatory frameworks and deepening partnerships to address workforce shortages, migration, disaster impacts and the growing burden of non‑communicable diseases across the Caribbean. (Meeting delegates/Ministry of Health and Social Development) Mrs.
Helen Royer, Director of Human Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, commended the resilience of nurses and midwives—particularly following Hurricane Melissa—and outlined regional priorities. These priorities include an assessment of the CXC‑managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration, development of the RNB Strategic Plan 2026–2035, and efforts to harmonise midwifery education and regulation with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization. (CARICOM Secretariat) Chair of the Regional Nursing Body and Chief Nursing Officer of Barbados, Mrs.
Annastasia Jordan, described the meeting as a “roadmap for action,” emphasising unified leadership to elevate the profession and ensure nursing representation in policy decisions. BVI Chief Nursing Officer Ms Jascinth Hannibal said hosting the meeting showcased the Territory’s commitment to keeping health services responsive to local needs and provided a valuable platform for advancing a regional agenda. (Annastasia Jordan; Jascinth Hannibal/Ministry of Health and Social Development) Delegates also recognised local achievements, highlighting the Territory’s 93 percent HPV vaccination coverage as an example of regional leadership in immunisation.
The meeting was supported by community partners including The National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Bouganvillea Clinic and CCT Mobile Telecommunications. Outcomes from the meeting are expected to guide the RNB’s future direction and strengthen nursing and midwifery capacity throughout the Caribbean, with direct benefits for healthcare access and emergency readiness in the BVI. (Ministry of Health and Social Development) For media enquiries, the Ministry listed Natasha Lettsome‑Humphrey, Public Health Communications Specialist, at 468‑2286 or nlettsome@gov.vg; international media may contact BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
General government contact information is available at 1 (284) 468‑3701 or WhatsApp 1 (284) 468‑9760. (Ministry of Health and Social Development)
Primary source: BVI Government