ONE-MINUTE READS News from across Jamaica

Healthcare workers honoured for selfless service

Nearly 900 healthcare workers who kept St Elizabeth’s health services running during and after Hurricane Melissa were honoured last Thursday for what officials described as acts of courage, sacrifice and resilience in the face of disaster. The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) recognised 885 healthcare workers at a gala awards ceremony, dubbed ‘Celebrating Our Healthcare Heroes: Resilient Through the Storm’ at Lovers’ Leap in St Elizabeth. Many of the awardees continued reporting for duty despite storm damage to their own homes and communities, ensuring patients received critical care as the parish grappled with the hurricane’s aftermath. SRHA Regional Director Michael Bent said the event was intended to formally recognise workers who served under difficult and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions. “Your work is heroic,” Bent said, noting that every staff member in the parish would receive a token of appreciation from the authority. Health Minister Christopher Tufton praised the workers for putting patients first even while facing personal hardship. “The difference between you and the crisis is that you have to pick up your marble and go to work, even though you are victims too,” he said.

--- PNP slams Gov’t on ‘secret’ TCN deal