Jamaica unveils monument honouring fallen COVID-19 healthcare workers

The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has paid homage to healthcare workers who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the creation of a monument in their honour.

Valued at $4 million and with each healthcare worker’s name etched in gold plates and mounted on porcelain tiles, the Healthcare Workers COVID-19 Monument was unveiled in Monday, March 10 on the grounds of the National Chest Hospital in Kingston.

The occasion, which saw the participation of family members of the deceased as well as fellow healthcare workers, was the fifth anniversary of the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 in Jamaica.

Also present to pay their respects were leaders, Dr Andrew Holness, Prime Minister; Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Mark Golding, Leader of the Opposition.

“We gather in solemn remembrance and profound gratitude. This monument … is not merely a structure of stone and metal, it represents the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the healthcare workers who stood on the front lines during one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s recent history,” the prime minister said.

Holness added: “When COVID-19 reached our shores … it was our doctors, nurses, patient care assistants, hospital attendants, technicians support staff and other healthcare professionals who rose to the occasion. In the face of overwhelming odds, that is, the most devastating pandemic, they stood firm on the frontline of defence and did not falter. They put their duty above their fears, their patients above their own well-being and in doing so saved countless lives."

Dr Tufton expressed a similar sentiment.

“Each name represents a life of service. These were doctors, nurses, mail attendants, patient care assistants, mental health officers, cooks, midwives, cashiers – all healthcare workers who put service above self and who made the ultimate sacrifice,” noted Minister Tufton.

“These workers stood by bedsides and encouraged patients when their loved ones could not; prepared meals; delivered babies; sanitised facilities; looked after the well-being of all. They went above and beyond the call of duty for which we are eternally grateful,” he added.

The minister also specially recognised the loved ones of the fallen healthcare workers.