Despite challenges, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, workforce shortages, migration, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), regional nursing leadership has prevailed through strategic collaborations and innovation.
These were the sentiments shared by CARICOM at the Fifty-Fourth Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Practice Committee of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on Monday, 23 March.
In her remarks on behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat, Ms Helen Royer, Director of Human Development, expressed appreciation for the vital contributions of nurses and midwives, particularly their resilience and dedication, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
The Director also highlighted key achievements in 2025, including the successful assessment of the CXC-managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration, development of the Draft Strategic Framework for the RNB Strategic Plan 2026–2035, and progress in harmonising education, practice, and regulation for midwives.
She emphasised the importance of strong leadership and regional collaboration to strengthen nursing and midwifery professions.
The RNB meetings, over the four days, will address critical issues, including the role of Advanced Practice Nurses, strategies to expand educator capacity, and mechanisms for ethical mobility of professionals during health emergencies.
Please read her complete remarks below:
FIFTY-FOURTH JOINT MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE AND EDUCATION COMMITTEES AND THE TWENTY-THIRD MEETING OF THE PRACTICE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL NURSING BODY
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
23-26 MARCH 2026
WELCOME REMARKS BY
MS. HELEN ROYER, DIRECTOR, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, CARICOM SECRETARIAT
Salutations
Good morning and welcome to the Fifty-Fourth Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees, as well as the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Practice Committee of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB), marking our first assembly for the year 2026.
Since it is our first meeting, it is not too late to express our appreciation for the indispensable contributions of nurses and midwives in delivering essential health services. In particular, following Category 5 of Hurricane Melissa, nursing and midwifery professionals across Jamaica and the wider region mobilised promptly and effectively, demonstrating commendable courage, resilience, and dedication to the population’s health and well-being. The CARICOM Secretariat extends sincere gratitude to all who contributed their expertise and invaluable contribution to the nursing fraternity. We extend best wishes for success for the rest of the year.
During 2025, several key initiatives progressed. The Japan-supported ‘Consultancy to Assess the CXC-managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration’ was successfully implemented, with guidance from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO),
The Regional Nursing Body conducted a Policy Dialogue in October 2025 to determine strategic priorities for the coming decade, resulting in the Draft Strategic Framework for the RNB Strategic Plan 2026–2035. Efforts toward harmonising education, practice, and regulation for midwives commenced, alongside a comprehensive review of nursing curricula with PAHO’s support. The RNB also made notable headway in updating standards for nursing education and practice and revising the Orientation Manual. These achievements warrant sincere recognition.
Despite this progress, significant work remains. The region continues to face challenges related to the supply of nursing and midwifery professionals, exacerbated by demographic shifts associated with an ageing population, the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, ongoing and emerging communicable disease threats, and rapidly changing geopolitical conditions. Migration further intensifies these concerns.
The leadership of the RNB remains crucial in guiding the response to these issues and in establishing a strategic direction to strengthen the nursing and midwifery professions in an effort to advance universal health coverage and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. During this meeting, the RNB will address several key issues to include the role of Advanced Practice Nurses in improving care for NCDs and mental health conditions; strategies to mitigate workforce shortages and enhance educator capacity through regional and international partnerships; and examine mechanisms to facilitate ethical and mutually beneficial mobility of professionals during health emergencies among others, which the Chair will provide in her remarks . Your attendance today demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing these pressing matters.
The CARICOM Secretariat would like to thank the Government of the British Virgin Islands for graciously hosting this meeting and supporting the RNB’s ongoing work. Recognition is also due to the coordinating teams within the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the CARICOM Secretariat for their dedication to organising this event. Appreciation is further extended to member associations, institutions, and development partners, including PAHO, for their unwavering support. Finally, special thanks to the Chief Nursing Officers and Nursing Councils of CARICOM Member States and Associate Members. Your participation is integral to the success of this meeting and to shaping future nursing and midwifery policies and initiatives that will enhance health outcomes across the region.
Wishing you productive discussions and successful deliberations throughout this meeting.
Thank you!