ALMOST 900 healthcare workers, primarily from St Elizabeth, were recognised for their selfless service, dedication and resilience during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, at a Grand Awards Gala hosted by the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) on Thursday, October 8.

The event, held under the theme, ‘Celebrating Our Health-care Heroes: Resilient Through the Storm’, at Lovers’ Leap in St Elizabeth, honoured health-care professionals who continued providing essential health services despite suffering personal losses and facing dangerous conditions in the aftermath of the hurricane which hit the island October 28, 2025.

Regional director of the SRHA Michael Bent explained that the awards ceremony was organised to formally recognise the extraordinary sacrifices made by healthcare workers who continued serving under difficult and, in some instances, life-threatening conditions.

“Your work is heroic.

We believed that with your sacrifice and heroic works, we could do no less than to ensure that we take you away from the hustle and bustle, even while others are at work now because of the nature of the service.

Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western Andrew Morris (right) presents an award to Oneil Salmon, head cook at the Black River Hospital, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and selfless service during Hurricane Melissa.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton presents an award to Diana Brown-Miller, chief executive officer of the Black River Hospital, in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and selfless service during Hurricane Melissa.

Every member of staff in the parish will receive something from the regional health authority as a token of appreciation for your work” Bent added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton commended the workers for placing the needs of their patients and communities above their own, even as they grappled with the devastation caused by the hurricane.

“The difference between you and the crisis is that you had to pick up your marble and go to work even though you were victims too.

That takes more than just dedication.

It takes a level of commitment that many people don’t have and don’t understand… what the health-care worker has to do” said Tufton.

Reflecting on his visit to Black River, St Elizabeth, immediately following the hurricane, Tufton recalled the extensive destruction throughout the town, including at the Black River Hospital, where health-care workers continued attending to patients despite the damage to the facility and their own homes.

He noted that some employees remained on duty for days without knowing the full extent of the damage to their properties.

“You had to function while you were trying to recover yourselves.

That is called strength, that’s called resilience, and that is what heroism is all about,” added Tufton.

Special recognition was also given to other staff members who assisted the team in St Elizabeth, particularly those who spent 48 hours in Holland Bamboo in the parish, trying to clear the route to help staff and patients.