The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), in partnership with the LASCO Chin Foundation, on May 12, hosted the International Nurses’ Day luncheon in honour of Jamaica’s nurses.

The luncheon formed part of the International Nurses Day celebrations, held annually on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.  The event served as an occasion of reflection, recognition, and reverence as both organisations paid special tribute to the nation’s health care professionals, who continue to serve with unwavering dedication and compassion.

Following the invocation, welcome and introductions, LASCO-NAJ Nurse of the Year, 2024-2025, Abigail James, rendered a thoughtful overview of this year’s Nurses’ Week theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’. Her presentation underscored the global importance of investing in nurses as the lifeblood of health care systems and thriving economies—an insight that was applauded and supported by Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation.

Professor Hamilton highlighted LASCO’s sustained investment in the nursing profession, commending 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, she noted that the initiative has become more than a ceremony and more so 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,” Hamilton 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.”

After the CEO’s address, the nurses were treated to a heartfelt tribute from 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 segments, nurses representing the four regions engaged in a creative competition in which 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.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr 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 health care system, particularly in challenging times.

Actress and cultural advocate 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, 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.