KINGSTON, Jamaica — Colie Lyn, a third-year nursing student at Brown’s Town Community College, was crowned nursing student of the year 2025-2026 at the LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year and Nursing Student of the Year Awards, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday.

A consistent academic high-achiever and merit list awardee in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Spanish, Lyn’s passion for cardiology and nephrology, along with her dedication to learning and patient care, deeply impressed the judging panel. She also received sectional awards for public speaking and 10/10 clinical skills.

Okeive Matheson, a third-year student from the University of Technology, Jamaica (Western Campus) was first runner-up, while Chevon Anderson, a third-year student at EXED School of Nursing, was the second runner-up.

Matheson and Anderson were two of three male nursing student finalists; the third was Malik Munroe of the University of the West Indies School of Nursing. Their recognition marked a powerful moment for male representation in nursing and inspired many in attendance.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, presents a symbolic cheque valued at JM $200,000.00 to Fione Joy Collins, who was named the 2025 Nurse of the Year at the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year & Nursing Student of the Year Awards Ceremony held last Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Serving as deputy director of Nursing Services at Percy Junor Hospital, Fione Joy Collins was officially named the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year 2025-2026.

With more than 25 years of experience in nursing and a deep-rooted commitment to service, mentorship and ministry, Collins has earned the respect of her colleagues and community alike.

Her extensive training includes a Master of Science in Nursing Education from UWI, along with certifications in general nursing, paediatric nursing, midwifery, clinical instruction, nursing administration, and healthcare leadership.

Also receiving honours this year were Machel Samora Edwards Lewis, a registered nurse, registered midwife and neonatology nurse at Mandeville Regional Hospital and Antonette Bent, charge nurse in the emergency room at the University Hospital of the West Indies — the first and second runners-up for Nurse of the Year, respectively.

Chief Nursing Officer Patricia Ingram Martin, representing the Ministry of Health & Wellness, offered greetings and commendations, while Professor Rosalea Hamilton, chief executive officer of the LASCO Chin Foundation, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the nursing profession. In a heartfelt message to the nation’s nurses, she reminded them, “You are seen. You are loved. You are valued.”

As the curtains closed, newly awarded honourees vowed to continue uplifting the nursing profession, transforming lives and leading with compassion and integrity.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, engages the guests with a heartfelt message during the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year & Nursing Student of the Year held on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, engages the guests with a heartfelt message during the LASCO, NAJ Nurse of the Year & Nursing Student of the Year held on Saturday, July 19, 2025.