It was no ordinary Saturday for Grenada’s healthcare workers and trade unions, as the Public Workers Union (PWU) held its Solidarity Rally under the theme ‘We Care About Healthcare’.

According to Brian Grimes, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the PWU, the Rally was organised following unfortunate statements that were made by the Prime Minister of Grenada during a Town Hall meeting. He described the statements as “callous” and “rash”.  Mr Grimes said, “From a Union’s perspective, the whole event was a travesty. It was a mix of unfortunate events and statements and actions.”

At the Rally, held on Saturday 13 October at the PWU’s Building, trade unionists, health care professionals and other supporters, came out in their numbers to show their disdain and disappointment about the remarks made by PM Mitchell, for which they continue to demand an apology.

During an interview with the Barnacle, Grimes noted that the Rally was used to give persons the opportunity to get a better understanding of the setbacks and limitations of the health sector. It served as an agitator for the authorities, from which the workers are hoping, significant changes will result. According to Grimes, the PWU will continue to speak out about the issues and be innovative and creative when seeking the attention of the relevant authorities.

Addressing the disgruntled crowd on Saturday evening was Dr Marvin Corion, President of the Junior Doctors Association. He called on the workers and the citizens to start a movement that would create change in the Country.  “We need to start a movement in this Country that demands better health care.” Corion criticised the comments made by the Prime Minister and stated that the healthcare system and healthcare professionals deserved much more respect and attention.  He highlighted some of the challenges faced at the General Hospital including the lack of nurses and doctors.

President of the Nurses Association, Mrs Patricia Strachan, who was cheered on by the audience, spoke about the frustration that nurses face, including the overcrowding at the Mental Hospital; the high patient load; lack of equipment and other supplies; as well as low salaries. She assured persons that these complaints have nothing to do with politics, but, they must take a stand, as this is for the benefit of the citizens of this country. “Our struggle, our advocacy is not selfish, it is not only for us. Our struggle is for the citizens of Grenada.” In response to a statement made during the PM’s Town Hall meeting about the incompetence of health workers, Mrs Strachan said, “We are not incompetent, but if you fail to provide us with the necessary human and material resources we will have problems.”

Bert Patterson, Vice President of the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU), and President of the Trade Unions Council, Mr Andre Lewis, also gave solidarity messages. Both gentlemen assured the health workers and the PWU members that they stood firmly with them in demanding an apology from the Prime Minister. George Mason and Madonna Harford, stalwart trade unionists, made speeches calling for the resuscitation of the health system in Grenada.

Mr Lewis said, “We unreservedly condemn the comments made by Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, regarding the committed and hardworking workers in the healthcare profession.” He went on to say that the issue was bigger than an apology. “This must be a wake-up call for us to put the healthcare situation in this country on the front burner and we must demand an improvement of the quality of our health services.”