The UWI Global Campus, Barbados. Originally released on Monday, January 13, 2025, updated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 — The University of the West Indies, Global Campus (The UWI GC), Barbados and the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) signed a Letter of Agreement on January 13, 2025, at The UWI GC office in The Pine, St. Michael. This agreement formalizes various areas of mutual cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations.
The Barbados Nurses Association, formerly the Barbados Registered Nurses Association (BRNA), was founded in July 1936 and was subsequently incorporated by an Act of Parliament on February 15, 1943, under CAP 354 of the Laws of Barbados through the BRNA Act 1943-146.
Among the key objectives of the BNA is the planning and execution of programmes that benefit its members. In this regard, The UWI GC and BNA seek to establish a mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen the missions of both institutions. More specifically, in terms of the collaboration, The UWI GC and the BNA will:
- Collaborate in the planning, development of delivery of relevant courses for the professional development of nurses;
- Participate through stakeholder engagement and consultation in the conceptualisation, review and development of existing or new course development;
- Foster joint certification of programmes and courses, which will provide the opportunity for joint certification on specific training that is jointly developed, delivered and successfully completed by participants;
- Facilitate and deliver relevant training for BNA members and nurses in pertinent courses and programmes in the UWI GC’s current CPE training catalogue through discounted rates tuition fees for selected short professional development courses and workshops;
- Utilise experienced and qualified nursing professionals to deliver in selected programmes and courses which are offered by the UWI GC.
This Letter of Agreement will be in effect for one year from January 2025 in the first instance, and is renewable after a review and evaluation.
Mr Ryan Byer, Head of Site, The UWI Global Campus, Barbados asserted that this strategic partnership builds and concretises on the numerous discussions and stakeholder engagement between the two organisations. It was therefore the next logical step to formalise the relationship. He further stated that nursing professionals play a pivotal role in the delivery of healthcare in Barbados.
Given the UWI’s mission, the opportunity to contribute to personal and professional development through continuous professional development training represents a natural synergy between the two organisations, which place much importance on research and capacity building through learning and development.
President of the Barbados Nurses Association, Dr Fay Parris, stated that this Letter of Agreement marks a significant milestone for the Association. The BNA is excited about the opportunities this collaboration with The UWI Global Campus will provide for its members. By jointly developing and delivering specialised training programmes, the BNA is enhancing the professional development of its nurses and contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare services in Barbados. This partnership is a testament to BNA’s commitment to excellence and continuous growth in the nursing profession.
Some of the main provisions of this Letter of Agreement will be immediately operationalised and come into effect with the delivery of the professional development courses: Law for Health Care Professionals and Health Care Management which commence in mid-February 2025.
Registration for these courses is currently open until February 21, 2025. To learn more, visit www.global.uwi.edu/barbados, email barbados@open.uwi.edu, or call 430-1120/1125. Interested persons should also contact the BNA on email: gibsonhouse1936@gmail.com, or call 427-5627/233-3962.
Dr Fay Parris President Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) and Mr Ryan Byer Head of Site – Barbados The UWI Global Campus signing the LOA
Mr Ryan Byer Head of Site – Barbados, Global Campus Sites The UWI Global Campus and Dr Fay Parris President Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) at the signing of the LOA
L to R Shernello Arthur is the Chairman of the Education Committee (BNA), Ryan Byer Head of Site – Barbados The UWI Global Campus, Dr Fay Parris President Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), Marguerite Bourne-Clarke 1st Vice President (BNA), Sophia Padmore The UWI Global Campus Barbados
