Caribbeans Recruited to Serve

The remarkable stories in this book represent a historical account of the unsung, and perhaps likely forgotten, heroes and heroines of the many young men and women, mainly Barbadians, who gladly responded to the anxious call of the "Mother Country" (UK) to serve in the depleted NHS which was desperately in need of a workforce for the many hospitals across the country...as nurses, they worked with an unwavering and gratifying enthusiasm to meet the demands despite facing hostile treatment in some cases... In the words of the first President, the late Pauline Sealy, one of six pioneers who started the Barbados Overseas Nurses Association, affectionately called "B. O. N. A" "I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, and to leave an afterglow of smiles when my life is done." A fitting tribute for the organisation and the members, who have dedicated themselves in fundraising to help the community and other deserving causes in the UK, African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (LCLT) and Barbados, Grenada and other Caribbean countries struck by hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters. The fundraising efforts comprised of various recreational activities, Line Dancing in tune with healthy lifestyle, Sponsored Walks, Art, producing a yearly calendar and exhibitions. There is also a successful choir of 25 persons, performing at various events across the nation, raising funds... the Members are to be congratulated for successfully negotiating many of the pitfalls that often beset most Associations and sometimes bring about its downfall when dealing with disgruntled members, resistance to new changes, lack of focus, sickness, death, and repatriations are just a few...may they continue to build on the solid foundation which has been laid and ensure that Barbados Overseas Nurses Association will be remembered long after the founding members have passed.