“Care for the Caregiver”: Guyana Nurses Association Set to Launch Nurses Week with National Rally
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) is preparing to honor the nation’s frontline heroes as Nurses Week 2026 officially kicks off on May 11. Under the powerful theme “Empowering Our Nurses Saves Lives,” this year’s observance focuses on the holistic well-being of the nursing fraternity, emphasizing that those who provide essential care must also be cared for.
Speaking on the New Day radio program via Gomosely, GNA executives provided a roadmap for a week designed to blend public appreciation with specialized medical support for nurses themselves.
The Main Event: Rally and March on May 12
The cornerstone of the week’s activities will be a massive show of solidarity in the streets of the capital.
- The Route: The national rally and walk will commence at the Square of the Revolution on Tuesday, May 12.
- Public Invitation: 2nd Vice President Candacy Kewley has invited the general public to join the march to show appreciation for the men and women who serve in every administrative region of Guyana.
- Release Request: Association Treasurer Christopher James made a direct appeal to hospital administrators and private clinics to release nurses from their shifts where possible, allowing them to participate alongside the communities they serve.
Taking Care of the Caregiver
Recognizing the high-stress nature of the profession—highlighted by the nurses’ instrumental role during the 2020 pandemic—this year’s schedule includes dedicated health days for the staff.
- Specialized Check-ups: On May 14 and 15, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre will host medical services geared specifically toward nurses. Specialists will be on hand to provide the caregivers with the same rigorous medical guidance they usually provide to patients.
- Community Outreach: The “Own Your Strength” (OYS) group will conduct outreaches on the East Coast (at Love and Faith Church) and in Linden. These missions will deploy doctors and specialists to provide check-ups and guidance to villagers, led by the nursing teams.
- Regional Events: Each local chapter will host its own series of salutes and social gatherings, ensuring that nurses from the hinterland to the coast feel the nation’s gratitude.
Recreation and Connection
For nurses looking to unwind after a demanding fiscal year, the GNA has organized a cross-border retreat.
- Suriname Trip: A group trip to Suriname is currently being finalized. Christopher James confirmed that limited spaces are still available for interested members.
- Contact Information: Nurses and supporters seeking more details on the trip or local chapter schedules can contact the GNA at 755-3012 or visit the headquarters at Charlotte and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.
At a Glance: Nurses Week 2026 Schedule
A National Debt of Gratitude
As Candacy Kewley poignantly noted, “In every home, a nurse has touched.” From the remote health huts in Region Nine to the intensive care units in Georgetown, nurses remain the backbone of the Guyanese state. This Nurses Week serves as a reminder that the resilience shown during the COVID-19 era must be met with ongoing support, better working conditions, and the public love they have earned.
