THE Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) marked its 96th year of dedicated service with a distinguished Award and Bursary Ceremony held recently at their hall on Charlotte and Alexander Streets in Georgetown.
The event celebrated the achievements of 13 nurses from across the nation and provided bursary awards to 22 children of association members.

The awards honoured exceptional contributions in various categories: Quality Nursing Care; Gloria Noel, Clinical Leadership; Marva Hawker, Rising Star; Agnes Van West, Patriotic; Rhonda Clarke, Nurse Leader of the Year; Gillian Butts, Infection Prevention and Control; Rhonda Clarke and Gillian Butts
In his congratulatory message, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, commended the Guyana Nurses Association for its long-standing service and underscored the importance of documenting the organisation’s history.
“As we look forward to the next four years and your 100th Anniversary, it would be beneficial to have a formal documentation or a book published about this remarkable organisation,” Minister Anthony remarked.

The minister also expressed the Ministry of Health’s support for the association’s research interests. “If you have a cohort of nurses interested in research, the ministry can assist by providing guidance on research methodology and publication processes,” he offered.
Encouraging the bursary recipients, Dr Anthony urged them to focus on their education and career prospects. “You have a bright future ahead of you. Make the most of your education, as many opportunities are now available for further training,” he advised.

Looking to the future, Minister Anthony revealed that the ministry will introduce an electronic health record system starting next year. He assured attendees that the ministry would collaborate closely with the nursing association and nurses to facilitate the transition to this new system.
The ceremony was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Guyana Nurses Association to advancing nursing excellence and supporting the next generation of professionals in the field.