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SSB awards $350K in Nursing Scholarships

- two local women the beneficiaries
The educational journey of two local women to advance their nursing careers have been made easier with the help of a scholarship from the Social Security Board (SSB). Photo: VINO/File
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). Photo: SSB/File
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). Photo: SSB/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- The educational journey of two local women to advance their nursing careers have been made easier with the help of a scholarship from the Social Security Board (SSB).

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.”

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.

19 Responses to “SSB awards $350K in Nursing Scholarships”

  • Windy (13/08/2021, 10:33) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    You don’t publish their names. Strange. Why is MY social security money being given away in scholarships?
    • the rock (13/08/2021, 13:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      We want a darn review on those houses up on the hill long bush, dick of SS plsying games with our money!
    • hmmm (13/08/2021, 14:06) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
      The names are not there because it is people from Virgin Gorda. He only helps people from Virgin Gorda. His focus is not to help persons from any place else but a virgin gorda.
  • Guest (13/08/2021, 11:12) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is great to award nursing scholarships, the question is can you get the people to come back when they done get the degree. BVI have financed nurses all over the USA. We have a good concentration in Georgia and New Jersey…………
  • WOW (13/08/2021, 11:42) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I applied for a Nursing Scholarship from the Social Security Board 2 years ago and my application was not even acknowledged. When I called to verify whether or not it was received the lady told me that the fees at UVI have dropped tremendously.

    I'll be back home in 1 year God spare my life with my BSN.
  • Heckler (13/08/2021, 11:43) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Them gotta be from VG why we cant hear names
  • Citizen (13/08/2021, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I commend the Minister for trying. This is not the first time. A lot of money has been spent on training for nurses. Only about 20 to 30 percent have been successful, which is why overseas recruitment remains high. I pray that these 2 are successful.
    • Yow (13/08/2021, 13:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Foolishness, we have connections with cuba now that money could of sent atleast 25 nurses there
      • to Yow (13/08/2021, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        If you're not fluent in Spanish you have to first learn the language in order to study in Cuba. If you go there without knowing, the first class you have to pass is Spanish before you get going. Classes are in Spanish. Can we handle that?
        • the rock (14/08/2021, 05:44) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
          You sound so stupid, Yow is right, grenada and st Vincent send they citizens they to be trained in the medical field for years now, are they spanish speaking islands, SSB needs to stop waiting our money on favouritism the homes on.the hill are another project that the VIP needs to put a stop on the awardees, COI please step inn, we the people needs to know what is and was going on there for the last say 10yrs!
        • Reader (15/08/2021, 07:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ To Yow. That is correct...
  • The Reaper (13/08/2021, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Only now. U all joking. Where them guys. CoI ….BVI. We fxxk!!!!!
  • west (13/08/2021, 12:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep fishing!
  • wow (13/08/2021, 14:09) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The reason why many of those that Government invest in that are now employed elsewhere is through the Fault of the Previous Medical Directors of the Hospital and The Directors of BVIHSA. When Locals return and applied for HealthCare positions within the Hospital they are denied. They are told that they are:
    Over qualified
    Not Experience enough
    No Vacancy
    We'll get back to You!

    While in the meantime, they are gainfully employing expatriate nurses( no pon intended on the few great ones) who might not have been properly vetted and provided false or fabricated Credentials.
    One will know something is wrong when a Nursing Assistant( Candy Stripe) not even a regular Nurse(in Blue) or RN or LPN is calling herself a LPN ( say what???) Something wrong Somewhere. Who hired her, but at the same time refuse a Medical Technician? God help us when Our Own prosecuting Us!
  • What? (13/08/2021, 15:19) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    $350k for TWO nurses to study in STT? Is that a JOKE? The school fees in the US are RIDICULOUS! For that amount of money they could have sent 5 to the UK for schooling - paid all fees, accommodation, transportation AND a reasonable living grant.... Why are they allowed to continue to throw away our money?
  • do the math (13/08/2021, 15:51) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's $25,000.00 per semester.

    A doctor can't even get that on a Government scholarship. SAD
    • Nope!! (13/08/2021, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It can’t be that much, unless it includes a salary…
      • Observer (15/08/2021, 07:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Nope!! If I read correctly, it said that the money includes provision of employment opportunities.
  • Reader (15/08/2021, 07:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This investment is applauded, as the need for more nurses is great. I agree however, that the names should have been published. I don't see a reason for that important information not to be divulged.


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