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Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 12, 2018 (SKNIS): The Joseph N. France General Hospital’s 50^th Anniversary Celebrations came to a fitting end with the hardworking staff members of the health institution recognized for their long service and dedication at an award ceremony held at the St. Kitts Eco-Park on March 10.

“Tonight’s ceremony really is intended not only to recognize long and meritorious service by those individuals who would have rendered yeoman’s service to JNF General Hospital since it opened its doors on the 14^th of December, 1967. It is also an opportunity for us to look back from where we’ve come as an institution, as the premier institution based health service in the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” stated Minister of State with responsibility for Health, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, as she welcomed the awardees and other specially invited guests to the ceremony.

Minister Phipps stated the core theme for the anniversary, which is “50 years of Progress, 50 years of Endurance and 50 years of Quality Health Services”, while noting that the JNF General Hospital was built from the Bradshaw Administration in 1967 on the structure that was once deemed the Cunningham Hospital in Basseterre and since then has made numerous strides in service improvement in the healthcare sector.

“This evening is meant to look at things in a lighter fashion and to say thank you in humble ways, and in jovial ways,” said Minister Phipps, as she noted that the evening’s proceedings is not only to award present employees but also to recognize those who have served the institution in the past.

Ms. Sylvine Carty, who works in the area of housekeeping, was awarded for her 46 years as the longest serving employee at the JNF hospital. She was among 139 persons who were awarded for their years of service for 16 years and over.

Additionally, 89 persons were recognized for 10 to 15 years of service. Special awards were given to nine outstanding employees.  

The management team of the JNF General Hospital, which includes Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson; Operations Manager, Ms. Gail Cranstoun and Director of Institutional Nursing Service, Mrs. Sonia Daly-Finley, were all recognized for their stellar service to the institution throughout their tenure.  

Dr. Yannik Henry rendered a moving song; Graduate Nurse, Tenet Bedford performed a celebratory dance and Hyacinth Smith recited a poem in gratitude.

The ceremony was attended by the Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds and Mrs. Simmonds, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency George Gow-wei Chiou, staff of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and scores of JNF staff, their families and friends.