LETTER: “Solidarity in Crisis, Silence in Struggle: A Young Doctor’s Call for Change”
Dear Editor,
I write this not only as a young physician at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, but as someone who has chosen to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda with compassion, resilience, and hope – qualities that are being tested now more than ever.
The recent fire at the Gambles Medical Centre is a tragedy that has shaken our medical community to its core. The loss suffered by our colleagues is not merely physical – it is deeply personal and profoundly professional. Years of sacrifice, patient trust, and dedication have gone up in flames. My heart goes out to every physician, staff member, and patient affected. We stand with you in grief, in solidarity, and in the quiet understanding of just how fragile the systems we depend on can be.
But in moments like these, when the medical community is called to unity, we must also confront uncomfortable truths.
The statement issued by the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda speaks of solidarity – and yet, for many of us on the frontlines, solidarity has long felt selective. It is difficult to reconcile the eloquence of sympathy in times of public tragedy with the deafening silence that persists around the daily struggles of young physicians at our nation’s only public hospital.
The role of any medical association is clear: to advocate for its members, to uphold standards, and to protect the welfare of both physicians and patients. Yet, for many junior doctors, that protection feels absent. We endure extended working hours, inadequate support, and conditions that strain not only our physical health but our mental well-being. We carry the burden of a system that demands everything from us, while offering little in return.
Where has the Association been for those who are overworked, underpaid, and increasingly disillusioned?
Where has it stood for those who are quietly targeted, undermined, or marginalized within a system that seems to favor hierarchy over fairness?
There is a growing sense among young doctors that representation is not only lacking – it is structurally absent. At one point, the overlap between the Medical Council and the Association meant that those who felt wronged had nowhere to turn. There was no independent body, no avenue for appeal, no voice for the voiceless. That legacy continues to cast a long shadow.
Equally troubling is the Association’s muted response to policies that directly affect the future of the profession. The so-called “gateway” laws have created barriers that exclude and ostracize young, qualified doctors seeking to serve their own country. These are not abstract policy debates – they are real obstacles affecting real people, many of whom have returned home with a genuine desire to give back, only to find themselves shut out.
And still, there is silence.
This is not merely about policy or governance. It is about class. It is about who is seen, who is heard, and who is deemed worthy of support.
We are told to endure. To wait our turn. To accept the system as it is. But medicine is not built on silence. It is built on advocacy – first for our patients, and also for each other.
If we can come together in moments of visible tragedy, we must also find the courage to stand together in addressing the invisible crises that persist every single day within our healthcare system.
To our colleagues affected by the fire: we grieve with you, and we will support you in every way we can.
But to those entrusted with representing us: we ask – respectfully, but firmly – that you do better. That you listen. That you act. That you remember that the strength of this profession lies not only in its most established members, but in those who are just beginning their journey.
Because if we continue to ignore the voices of the next generation, we risk losing far more than buildings – we risk losing the future of healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda. As my seniors, I can learn a lot from you about being politically correct and looking glamorous for the cameras, but I do have a lot to share truly loving the people we took an oath to serve!
Concerned Physician
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That’s why you’re people dressed as phantom
I don’t see why this letter was penned at this time
This young person needs to understand that timing is everything
Yes the association has some media-hogging personalities, but you as young professionals were given a chance to nominate and to vote for the executive
So please go take a chill pill and call a doctor in the morning
I am a bit surprise that this letter is penned at this time also. Is it when you are in the kitchen, your voice is heard because you are now feeling the heat.
About two years I penned an article crying out for the authorities to look into the condition of service for our young doctors. Not a voce was heard for my cry. There was no solidarity at all.
Unfortunately we have a culture in Antigua that ” if the plight of the day does not affect me, I have nothing say”. Real sad..!!
Now the heat is on the pen & paper have become the best of friends.
Anyway I do hope the authorities will look into the situation because your concern has merit.
I urge the writer and those affected by the fire to “think positive thoughts”. As they have told patients to do while suffering through the unbearable.
This doctor here right.
Sometimes we wait for the physicsl fires to them start adjusting, changing, planning, regretting snd outting not knowing there are institutional fires like what they said burning that needs to be address.
Its really sad to hear of the actual situation. I hope they get themselves back up and running. But this association situation need looking into, especially that lady at the top who always posting and posting. Looks like a fashion show than serious business. I think they said she was head for a while. Give another leader the chance. Let them grow. Let our young doctors grow and develop.
One Antigua
Never heard a Lawyer or Politician complain yet.
What’s really wrong? Doesn’t seem like anyone is on ya’ll 1 side!
@ Grow Up
You asked why this letter is timed now? Should the writer wait until the shit hits the fan. Most of us do just that; that’s why everything will fall apart, do you realize the writer is talking about health at our main hospital. The stupidity of some people
Clytie , please keep the poignant issues separate
Condolences to doctor Cordner&staff and doctor Yazisi&staff and the Rhuds and the dentist and the chef and mrsHadeed
The author could have chosen a better time but then again, is there ever a better time? Every photo op shows the same selected favourites, and it is the same faces everytime. But there are so many physicians working behind the scenes just trying to fulfill their oaths. No recognition, no appreciation. Just propping up a broken and heartless system. The public outcry is heard and there are those who want to do more for their country, but if it doesn’t align with the powers that be, all pleas fall on deaf ears. This letter has been a long time coming, it is just a shame that it took a fire to bring it all to light.
The entire health system needs some serious intervention. From clinical to administrative. Too much biased rules, nepotism, and so much more. Nobody to talk to, because nobody cares. They csbjot turn away everybody, let us all stand outside until we receive justice. We do desperately need better working conditions, fair pay scale, fair promotion, recognition, and much more. The only hospital, and this is what is happening? Management feel as if they’re untouchable. I pray we unify and stand up, and shut it down until what we deserve is honored and received.
I am happy that this doctor chose to speak up. Those in authority not all, seem to always keep the ones beneath them down.
Who in the kitchen feels the heat.
They are the ones feeling it. Some of you at the top needs to address the issue, teach and stop hogging the spot light. One day you will be gone and the younger generation has to push through.
Some of you are too arrogant.
The definitely is a problem in our health care system. It centres around governance and accountability, primarily. Something needs to be done regarding the practice of doctors having private practice that is in stark conflict of interest with their role as government employees. There are too many Urgent Care…same doctors are supposed to be at Mount St Johns and/or at clinics. They are absent… the people suffer.
Doctors exploiting insurance schems, in scam like arrangements where they foist unnecessary procedures on patients…doctors directing patients to private practice and services when same are offered at MSJMC..privately. they not offered, at the public hospital because doctors are offering privately.
The Medical Association needs to take note…but perhaps the members have their spoon in many pots.
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