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In the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the nursing fraternity mourns the loss of a trailblazer, Mrs. Lucille Louisy-Walwyn MBE, State Registered Nurse, and State Certified Midwife. Her legacy, marked by dedication, innovation, and compassion, has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of our nation.

As the First Matron and First Principal Nursing Officer, Mrs. Louisy-Walwyn’s leadership transformed nursing education and patient care during the late 1950s. She pioneered initiatives to enhance nursing services, advocating for joint planning and programming to improve patient care across hospital and community settings.

Under her guidance, nursing education flourished with the establishment of Sister Tutor positions at the JNF General Hospital School of Nursing. This paved the way for the training of Registered General Nurses and Certified Midwives, meeting the evolving needs of our healthcare system.

Mrs. Louisy-Walwyn’s vision extended beyond borders as she championed nursing exchange programs in Public Health Nursing, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region. Her advocacy also led to the introduction of new categories of health personnel, addressing the growing demands of healthcare delivery.

A crowning achievement of her career was the registration process for nurses and midwives in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Through her tireless efforts, she facilitated the registration of nurses, enabling them to practice across the Caribbean region.

Recognized for her contributions, Mrs. Louisy-Walwyn received the Silver Jubilee Medal from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Member of the British Empire medal from Her Majesty the Queen of England.

In her own words, Mrs. Louisy-Walwyn emphasized the importance of nursing as a profession and urged future nurses to enter the field with an open mind and dedication to good nursing care.

Today, as we bid farewell to a pioneer, mentor, and friend, let us honor Mrs. Lucille Louisy-Walwyn’s enduring legacy by upholding the values of professionalism, compassion, and excellence in nursing. Though she may be gone, her spirit will continue to inspire generations of nurses, ensuring her legacy of service and dedication lives on.