The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) held its fourth annual Nurse Orris Jack Bell Award. The event proved to be a success once again.
The legends, St. Maarten retired nurses, were treated to a bus tour of the island. This delighted many as the trip gave them the opportunity to reunite with former colleagues. Laughter and entertainment filled the atmosphere as their host, Mr. Fernando Clarke, exceeded the purpose, to make the trip even more memorable.
Legends, Nurse Orris Jack Bell award nominees and their friends and families came out to the luncheon which was held at the Hope Estate Community Center in Guana Bay. The event was hosted by Mr. Antonio Pantophlet and Brunilda Illidge, who played a large part in the organization of the Day of the Legends and the Orris Jack Bell award ceremony. Mr. Pantophlet emphasized the value of nurses in our community and commended them for being caregivers to the people
This year the theme of the event remained “Nurses Who Paved the Way”. The theme emulated the continuous honor to all nurses of past and present that have been role models within nursing on the island.
This year four nurses were nominated for the Orris Jack Award. They were Marisol Wilson (Prison), Natasha Carty (Ambulance), Fely Mendiola (SMMC) and Donna Wit (MHF). The nurses that received the 2018 recognition and inducted as New Legends were Adagia Scott (SMMC), Carmelita Boyd-Lichtenberg (SMMC), and Raphael Antoine (SMMC). The legends of nursing also received a token of appreciation for the commitment and care that they have shown in their life. This year’s recipient of the Orris Jack Award was Marisol Wilson, registered nurse of the St. Maarten Prison.
These nurses have dedicated years to nursing and serving the community. They have all played a role in advancing the field on the island and represent the heart of nursing. This ceremony serves as means of recognition for all the hard and dedication our nursing legends have given our community. SMMC was truly honored to recognize these honorable, hard-working individuals.
The organizers would like to express their gratitude to the caterer Kreative Juices, the decorator Unique Balloon Decor, the SMMC and all our legends that helped to make this event a success once again. A very special thank you to Mr. Fernando Clarke, and everyone who provided their services in one way or the other for the event.