Minister for Natural Resources, Labour, Immigration and Social Security Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the two scholarship recipients will be attending the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI).

“Mr Speaker, the Social Security Board, had an award ceremony just this morning to congratulate the recipients of the 2021 Nursing Scholarships.”

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour, Immigration and Social Security Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), left, said the two scholarship recipients will be attending the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI). Right is Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Quest of SSB & Ministry of Health

“Over the years, it has been the quest of the Social Security Board (SSB) and by extension the Ministry of Health to enhance the healthcare system of the British Virgin Islands. The SSB recognise the value of scholarships and the importance of excellence in the practice. The SSB is committed to the development of the nursing and medical fraternity and to the increase in professional staffing at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital,” he said while reading a statement during the Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

“Mr Speaker, these two young ladies have shown a keen interest in nursing, and protracted good academic achievements towards the professionalism and through the SSB was pleased to award a three and four-year scholarship which equates to $350,000 in support of this initiative.”

He said the SSB is elated to be part of their journey and looks forward with great anticipation to their return to the territory.

According to the SSB’s social media page, the Healthcare Scholarship Award covers tuition fees, living expenses and provides employment opportunities.

Persons were able to apply in the areas of dentistry, health services administration, nursing, paediatrics, etcetera.