Kingston, Jamaica:– The LASCO Chin Foundation and Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious Nurse of the Year 2025–2026 and Nursing Student of the Year 2025–2026 Awards. With six nursing schools already on board and additional slots still available, the excitement is mounting across the island’s nursing community.
The call for nominations comes as the NAJ celebrated International Nurses’ Day last Monday, May 12, 2025 with a luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Since 1999, LASCO has partnered with the NAJ to host the annual National Nurse of the Year programme, to recognise nurse practitioners who exemplify high standards of ethics, leadership and personal growth.
Nurses across the island are invited to apply through the NAJ. Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews, followed by presentations or demonstrations before a panel. Final scores determine the Nurse of the Year, first and second runners-up, and the Student Nurse of the Year and runner-up.
LASCO and NAJ also proudly collaborate each year to host National Nurses Week. The luncheon doubled as a press briefing for the launch of another dynamic National Nurses’ Week celebration slated for July 13-19, anchored in tradition and a shared commitment to uplift the profession by highlighting vital contributions to national development.
This year’s theme, set by the International Council of Nurses, is especially poignant – “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”
“It prioritises the wellbeing of nurses and highlights their vital role in transforming our economy so as to improve the standard of living of the Jamaican people,” said Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation during her address. “This theme is a powerful reminder that our economic development is directly linked to the well-being of our nurses.”
As customary, Nurses’ Week will begin with a church service to honour the nation’s caregivers. This years’ service will be held in St. Elizabeth, home of the current Nurse of the Year – Nurse Abigail James – a fitting start to a week that celebrates excellence in care and leadership.
Beginning Monday, July 15, the NAJ and the LASCO Chin Foundation will lead a series of courtesy visits to esteemed national offices, including: The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen, The Office of the Prime Minister, The Ministry of Health and Wellness, The Office of the Leader of the Opposition, The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation and other key stakeholders.
The week will also feature Summer School sessions on July 16 and 17, designed to enhance professional development and knowledge-sharing. The celebrations continue on July 19 with Founders Day, commemorating the birthday of the NAJ and honouring the pioneers who laid the foundation for nursing in Jamaica.
National Nurses Week culminates with the highly-anticipated Awards Ceremony, where the nation’s top nurse and nursing student will be officially crowned. Hosted by the NAJ in partnership with the LASCO Chin Foundation, the ceremony is a heart-warming tribute to the heroes of health care who serve with passion, dedication, and resilience.
The foundation encourages all members to submit nominations, engage in the week’s activities, and celebrate the incredible work of nurses across Jamaica. Together, let us learn, grow, and shine as we honour those who care for us all.
Photo Captions:
(From left) Roshelle Mendez, 1st runner-up LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025, Abigail James, LASCO/AJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025, Dawn Marie Richards, NAJ President, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, Davia Dwyer, 2nd runner-up LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year, and Aneisha Anderson, LASCO/NAJ Nursing Student of the Year 2024-2025 represented well at the International Nurses’ Day luncheon and press briefing held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on May 12, 2025.
One-two-three! (From left) Danielle Cunningham, Marketing and Communications Manager at LASCO Affiliated Companies, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, Dawn Marie Richards, President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) and Abigail James, LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025, share a celebratory moment cutting the cake at the end of the International Nurses Day activities.
Danielle Cunningham (left), Marketing and Communications Manager at LASCO Affiliated Companies gets a warm embrace from Abigail James, LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year 2024-2025.