Starting today, 1 September 2014, the public will be able to nominate their health services heroes for the 2015 National Heroes Day Awards.

Throughout the month, individuals can put forward the names of persons who have contributed to the development of health services in the Cayman Islands. Award categories range from Early Pioneers to Long Service.

The Ministry of Health, Sports, Youth & Culture has formed the National Heroes Day 2015 Committee, who will review the public nominations to identify individuals to be honoured on Heroes Day.

Honourees in the Early Pioneer and Pioneer categories will be awarded a unique pin specifically designed for the award ceremony in order to honour their contributions to health and wellness in the Cayman Islands.

At a press conference today, Minister of Health Osbourne Bodden said, “Health Services are essential in any society – and many persons within the field have left a strong positive mark on the history of our community.”

Minister Bodden also commented that the Heroes Day committee works very hard to ensure a fair and successful nomination process.

In order to ensure that persons are honoured and recognised, residents are asked to put names forward and nominate those individuals who helped in the development and growth of health services in the Cayman Islands. The deadline for submission is 30 September.

Health Services includes all services dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or the promotion, maintenance and restoration of human health. This includes mental, dental, public and environmental health.

Keeping this in mind, persons are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to express their appreciation, Minister Bodden noted, “The nomination process allows you to be part of this national celebration and it also marks the evolution of health services in our country over the years.”

He added, “Please do not assume that just because the person you have in mind is well known that someone else will nominate them – take the time to nominate those people that you believe are deserving of this recognition.”

National Heroes Day will be held on Monday, 26 January 2015. Copies of the nomination form are available online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky and www.gov.ky.

For more information, or to submit your nominations, contact the NHD Committee at email [email protected]

END

IMAGE: Joan Wilson collecting her Heroes Day award 2014