The first BVI Care Certificate programme graduates 19 care professionals as the Ministry of Health and Social Development continue to advance its efforts to enhance quality care across the Territory.

This historic occasion marked by a graduation was filled with Ministry representatives including Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley who congratulated the participants on their health service changing achievements.

The 19 graduates which accounted for 14 females and five males came from diverse care settings.

• BVI Health Services Authority (8 participants)
• Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly (4 participants)
• Rainbow Children’s Home (2 participants)
• Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly (2 participants)
• Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme (3 participants)

Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Coordinator Ms. Jascinth Hannibal said during the ceremony. “Today, we do not simply celebrate achievement.  We celebrate the birth of a new era in caregiving. You, our graduates, are pioneers in a programme created to instill excellence and affirm the dignity of service. Care is not just a task.  It is a calling and your journey has only just begun.”

 According to Ms. Hannibal the collective experience of the graduates’ spans from under 5 years to over 30 years of service, enriching the training process with a wealth of shared knowledge and real-world insights. “The exchange of experiences within this group was nothing short of inspiring. I’ve learned as much from you as you have from the programme,” Ms. Hannibal said.

Participants underwent a rigorous training and assessment process, supported by facilitators, assessors, and the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Ms. Hannibal cautioned graduates not to drop the ball. “Graduation does not mean you drop the ball.  It means you are now held to a higher standard. You may even be called upon to guide and mentor others, or to serve as future assessors.”