PHILIPSBURG: --- There is always a first time for everything. SMN News has chosen the dysfunctional entities of the year 2024, which was published on Sunday. While we have highlighted those that have dominated the media throughout 2024, we have also decided to highlight one of our angels who has given her life to give and share with others. She is no other than Nurse Monique Gumbs, better known to almost everyone as GOD BLESS NANNY NURSSY..
Nurse Monique Gumbs has been a nurse in St. Maarten for over 40 years, and she started her nursing career in 1982 at the Sint Elizabeth Hospital in Curacao. Then she moved back to Sint Maarten, where she worked at the Sint Maarten Home before moving over to Sint Maarten Medical Center, when they opened their doors on the first day.
Nanny Nurssy worked at SMMC for a whopping 30 years. There, Nanny Nursey met many patients, many of whom did not have medical insurance and those who did not have people to care for them after being discharged from SMMC. She took it upon herself to visit these patients and homes and provide free home care; on many occasions, Nanny Nurssy would use her funds to purchase much-needed items for those she was assisting.
In speaking to Nanny Nurssy, she said she was raised by her parents, who instilled kindness in them as they were growing up; she said her mother ensured her siblings and herself shared whatever they had with others who did not have, while she is a staunch believer in the Bible.
Nanny Nurssy, who gained her nickname from patients she helped in the past, has made it her duty to take care of the homeless in St. Maarten, and she can be seen quite often on St. Maarten streets doing what she likes.
She takes heavy bags around her shoulders to care for the homeless men and women, giving them shaves, showers, and clean clothes. Nanny Nurssy would also ensure the homeless get a place to rest their heads in lousy weather. Her home has become a rescue place for many of these people, while the government has turned a blind eye to this.
Besides providing health and hygiene care for the less fortunate, Nanny Nurssy has distributed food items and clothing almost daily at her Cay Hill Home to everyone who needs help. She is supported by many businesses that understand the need to assist the less fortunate and many persons within the St. Maarten Community.
We have chosen to recognize her as our Person of the Year because of the outstanding contributions that Nanny Nurssy provides daily to those in need. One thing is for sure: it does not have to be Christmas or be on a political slate for Nanny Nurssy to help those in need. She has been doing so for years single-handedly and continues today, even though she does not have wheels to move around the island.
SMN News extends best wishes to Nurse Monique Gumbs as she continues to assist those in need throughout the years ahead.
