The Nurses Association of St Vincent and the Grenadines (NASVG) has roundly condemned a shooting incident that occurred at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on Tuesday March 19,2024, and is asking that better security be put in place to ensure their safety.

In a statement, the Association said it does not “condone the act of violence that occurred during an incident in the Male Surgical Ward” at the hospital and they “are thankful that no member of staff was hurt.

The nurses however said in their release that “while there was no physical injury, the incident has left the staff shaken and terrified”.

Two men are reported to have entered the hospital’s Male Surgical Ward and shot a male patient who was hospitalised, having been shot a few days prior.

“As a workers’ organization, we are concerned with the safety and welfare of all nurses and other nursing personnel and remain resolute in advocating for the safety and security of staff,” the release points out.

“This act is not an isolated incident. Over the years, multiple acts of crime and violence have saturated the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and we are aggrieved and dissatisfied with the authorities’ reactive approach.

“We dismiss any attempt to implement temporary security measures and call on the Minister of National Security to intervene to ensure that nurses have a safe and conducive environment to provide optimal patient care continually,” the released further states.

“The NASVG is deeply concerned about our nurses’ psychological state and will provide the necessary support and assistance to ensure that the nurses involved get essential care and counselling.

“The Nurses Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines strongly condemns the recent spike in serious crimes and acts of violence that continue to plague our nation. We are alarmed by the epidemic of crime and violence and call on the authorities to put measures in place to restore peace and stability within our society.”