The government of Antigua and Barbuda has vigorously defended its controversial decision to recruit nursing professionals from Ghana, characterizing the move as an essential strategy to address critical staffing shortages within the nation’s healthcare system. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph emphasized that the recruitment initiative directly responds to longstanding challenges in maintaining adequate nursing staff levels, which have resulted in widespread burnout and compromised patient care standards.
Speaking at a press conference alongside senior health officials, Minister Joseph articulated the government’s position: “The reality of overworked and exhausted nursing professionals inevitably compromises the quality of patient care. This recruitment program represents a strategic opportunity to comprehensively address this systemic issue.” The minister extended formal gratitude to the technical teams and permanent secretary for their instrumental roles in facilitating the international recruitment process.
This development follows last week’s announcement that the Gaston Browne administration has formalized agreements to contract over 100 Ghanaian nurses. Government officials have been careful to note that this new arrangement with Ghana does not signify termination of existing healthcare partnerships with Cuba, despite increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States urging Caribbean nations to discontinue collaborations with Cuban healthcare programs.
According to an official Cabinet communiqué, approximately 120 Ghanaian nurses are scheduled to arrive during the January 23, 2026 weekend. These healthcare professionals will be strategically deployed across multiple medical facilities, with primary placements at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre supplemented by assignments at community health clinics and educational institutions.
Permanent Secretary for Health Stacey Gregg-Paige provided detailed insights into the recruitment methodology, revealing that the selection process occurred in Accra during September 16-22, 2023 under the framework of Ghana’s Labour Exchange Program. The recruitment drive received 190 applications, with 32 candidates eliminated due to documentation deficiencies or eligibility concerns. The remaining 158 applicants underwent rigorous competency-based evaluations, resulting in 127 candidates being identified as suitable for subsequent vetting by the Antigua & Barbuda Nursing Council.
Gregg-Paige emphasized the procedural integrity of the initiative: “This recruitment process operates under a formally established memorandum of understanding and service agreement that underwent comprehensive legal review. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has confirmed full compliance with national legal frameworks, ensuring this initiative maintains transparency and adherence to all regulatory requirements.”
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, outlined the orientation protocol designed to facilitate the integration of incoming nursing staff. The three-week onboarding program will provide comprehensive system familiarization for both international recruits and local healthcare professionals joining the institution.
The nation’s healthcare system currently employs 260 local nurses supplemented by 33 Cuban healthcare professionals. With the addition of 120 Ghanaian nurses, the total nursing complement will reach 413—slightly exceeding the government’s stated requirement of 400 nurses for optimal healthcare delivery.