Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph on Friday welcomed the arrival of 119 Ghanaian nurses to Antigua and Barbuda, calling it a historic and symbolic boost for the country’s healthcare system.
The nurses arrived around 6 p.m. on a chartered flight at V.C. Bird International Airport, accompanied by six delegates. Joseph, dressed in traditional African attire, received the group during a brief airport ceremony.
“This is truly a delightful moment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, describing the arrival as one of the largest single delegations to cross the Atlantic from Ghana.
Addressing the nurses, Joseph spoke of shared heritage and kinship, telling them they had “rejoined your family,” and thanked Ghana’s president for supporting the initiative. An official welcome ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
The nurses have been contracted for three years and will complete a three-week orientation programme covering cultural integration, clinical alignment and role-specific training before deployment.
Health officials say the country needs about 400 nurses to operate effectively. With roughly 260 local nurses and 33 Cuban nurses currently in service, the addition of the Ghanaian contingent is expected to lift staffing slightly above the minimum operational threshold and improve the nurse-to-patient ratio, now estimated at 1:10.
The government cited positive experiences with Ghanaian nurses in other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and The Bahamas, as a key factor in the recruitment.
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……. Wait…. Ahhh wah di….. Oh well welcome guys we appreciate your service to our healthcare system…
I can’t believe ABLP did this. They were supposed try to get nurses from more developed and advanced country, this will also increase the country’s chances of bringing those connections with advance medical facilities, and equipment with them bringing their resources/assets that will also circulate in the country. Not where it is more likely that what is in Antigua will be removed from Antigua and ship overseas.
It strategically, and logically wasn’t the right thing to do. Instead of getting 120 Ghanian nurses, get 30 American or Canadian or UK nurses.
This is so wrong. Everything you do as the government of Antigua and Barbuda you must try to squeeze as much benefits for the locals as possible. Why ABLP? Whyyyyyy?
I love Africa but this was not the right thing to do at this time. It also would be highly beneficial to get US nurses to show goodfaith and friendly conduct to the US so my Antiguan and Barbudan clients can get their greencard. Instead of this greencard suspension.
The govt is bringing Ghanaians here knowing fully well our visa situation. This govt is supposed to work for the people but they are not. Ghana is on the list of visa restrictions and this will impact even more restrictions and conditions on us citizens trying to get a visas to go to the US. A simple search will reveal that information. Now watch the creative enrichment administration give some BS about it’s not their fault and they looking out for their pockets, I mean us citizens.
Next up, when the same Ghanaians don’t get paid on time what do you think will happen. My prediction, mass exodus from here. They will either try to go back home or sneak their way into the US. We will see how “well” we benefiting from the CIP scheme. The reason we don’t have local nurses and medical staff is low pay and moreso no pay. Nobody working for free.
Yet the current administration can waste our tax dollars on One Nation concerts.
You get what you vote for. Vote wisely.
Lord they look impoverished
They aren’t all nurses
Molwyn Joseph welcoming Ghanaians to boost health care when, poor people cannot get simple tests done at MSJMC. The man in charge of that department, every test can be done at his labs. Poor people have to find money to get tests done even though , contributions have been made to MBS for years. Maybe if Molwyn stop 🛑 dyeing his hair, he’ll understand the poor and elderly folks position. Something needs to be now NOW!!!
Looks like new voters to me. A little work, a sprinkle of “Hamnesty” and there we have our new addition to the demographic
Them go disappear just like the African that came on the plane … why so many men though .. didn’t it raise an eye brown
Let’s hope that all the correct security checks and balances were carried out properly by our Chief Immigration Department Officer Katrina Yearwood, so that these nurses are qualified and a welcoming addition to our health service.
Furthermore, where are these nurses to be accommodated? I haven’t heard anything from the government about this arrangement at all.
So many questions, but very few answers.
Is it any wonder that we Antiguans worry about the continued RODOMONTADE blustering of the ABLP.
I agree with you Asot m.
Why so many men?
Fish is frying…..
Are work permits not a thing anymore?
Even though are are brought to “improve” the healthcare system.. give them work permits! 1 year at time, lessen or waive the renewal fees. No? A whole passport?
Do you understand the word impoverished???
Go back home, stand in the mirror, look at assess yourself from hair to toe, assess your lifestyle and come back to comment
To: Send them back
Do you understand the word impoverished???
Go back home, stand in the mirror, look at yourself from hair to toe, assess your lifestyle and come back to comment
To: No local nurses due to low pay and no pay
You have gained my admiration for making your point without insulting Ghanaians
My Way Of Helping
You have every right to share your concerns without casting insinuation on the nurses.
You’ve earned my respect
Man nf
I hope that this is not another duping. I had the opportunity of interacting with the Africans that came and disappeared, some loosing their lives. They were desperate and acted as if staying in Antigua was a death sentence. Looking at this group of mostly men I am led to believe that they are going to do exactly the same. The only difference is that Donald Trump and ICE is far more proactive. Disappear, All !
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