In support of the vision to honour the valuable contribution and service of retired nurse, Leila Harracksingh from the community of Desruisseaux, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently hosted a ceremony to rename the health facility.
The renaming of the Desruissseaux Wellness Centre underscored the dedication of the government to recognize the legacy of a health professional who has made a significant impact in the community and the health sector.
The ceremony involved the unveiling of a plaque and updating of signage for the facility. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Jenny Daniel celebrated the renaming of the health facility and said this ceremony marks a significant achievement for the ministry and community.
“Today we value and appreciate the skills, knowledge and dedication of Nurse Harracksingh and her specific skills in midwifery and child care as testimony for most of us being alive here today. On behalf of the Ministry of Health with great pleasure and with humility, I officially say thank you to Mrs. Lelia Harracksingh for her many years of dedicated service to healthcare in Saint Lucia,” Daniel said.
Principal Nursing Officer Julietta Cassius says she is elated to be part of the celebration of Lelia Harracksingh who has made a significant mark on the health system.
“The unveiling of this plaque today, the Government, the Ministry of Health honours Nurse Harracksingh’s legacy and the contribution she made to health and the community. This renaming also symbolizes the Ministry of Health’s renewed commitment to advancing the quality of health and improving health service delivery for all people and all communities for enhanced health outcomes, Cassius said.”
Minister for Health, Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste saluted the retired nurse Lelia Harracksingh for her outstanding efforts and dedication to service to the community.
“Nurse Harracksingh you are a hero, a hero of community resilience. Nurse, you are a hero of the community, a hero for mobilization, a hero in the community of Desruisseaux, a Saint Lucian hero. We celebrate your contributions and sacrifice, we understand your commitment, that commitment was really from the heart and understand that you poured out your soul for the betterment of your people,” Jn Baptiste said.
Praising and celebrating Lelia Harracksingh as a lady of commitment to the health profession was the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Philip J. Pierre.
“Nurse Harracksingh is an example of selflessness. People who work for people. People who work to improve the quality of life of the people. Nurse Harracksingh when she did it, I am sure her condition was not perfect. I am sure she didn’t work in the best condition. I am very sure that she didn’t get enough remuneration, enough salary for the work she did,” the prime minister said.
Nurse Lelia Harracksingh who served as Community Health Nurse in the community of Desruisseaux for over 30 years was present at the ceremony to officially unveil the plaque with the new name of the health facility.