PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the St. Peter's Seventh-day Adventist Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, hosted a heartfelt celebration in honor of Nurses Week 2025. The event, held at the St. Peters SDA Church, recognized and celebrated the unwavering dedication and service of nurses across the island of St. Maarten. Nurses from various healthcare institutions were honored for their critical role in the health and well-being of the community. Head nurses from the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and major facilities such as the St. Martin’s Home, St. John’s Home, St. Basilia Center, Mental Health Foundation, District Nursing Services, the Ambulance Department, and the Prison Health Services were each presented with commemorative plaques and cups as tokens of appreciation. A major highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nurse Brunilda Illidge, one of St. Maarten’s pioneering nurses. Affectionately known as the “Mother of Nurses,” Nurse Illidge has made a profound impact on the island’s healthcare landscape. Born in Aruba, she is a proud mother of three daughters and grandmother to f ive grandchildren. Nurse Illidge is a dynamic Registered Nurse and energetic Nursing Instructor. She is widely respected for being trustworthy, loving, and highly motivated. Her students praise her for encouraging critical thinking and professionalism. Known for her ethical standards and civic-mindedness, she consistently demonstrates effective cross-cultural communication and a readiness to support others. Her no-nonsense attitude is balanced by a deep commitment to mentorship and excellence in nursing education. The event was coordinated by Health Minister Erica Davis, Health Leader of the St. Peters SDA Church, whose dedication and organizational efforts contributed greatly to the success of the program. Her leadership, along with the collaboration of the Honorable Miniter, ensured that the contributions of nurses were recognized in a meaningful and memorable way. This Nurses Week celebration was not only a tribute to individual achievements but also a collective acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifices made by nurses, especially in recent challenging times. The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to all the nurses for their tireless efforts and devotion to serving the people of St. Maarten. A special thank-you was also given to everyone who contributed to making the event a success—your support was instrumental in honoring our community’s unsung heroes.
