The Barbados Nurses’ Association (BNA) has expressed deep concern after numerous nurses were reportedly barred from attending a pivotal meeting addressing workplace violence and safety. Union leaders have warned that official interference is hampering efforts to combat a surge in assaults on healthcare workers. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris revealed that the meeting, held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) headquarters in Dalkeith, was intended to include the entire nursing community, not just BNA members, to tackle the escalating crisis. However, some nurses were allegedly deterred from attending due to a message implying that non-members would be marked absent if they participated. Dr. Parris emphasized that the invitation was extended to all nurses, as the issue of safety and violence affects the entire profession. She also refuted claims that proper procedures were not followed, stating that the meeting was announced with sufficient notice and guidelines to ensure public safety. The BNA president expressed disappointment at the ministry’s intervention, which she believes undermined the meeting’s effectiveness and the association’s ability to advocate for nurses. The meeting, convened in response to recent attacks on healthcare staff, garnered support from sister unions, including the NUPW, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB). Recent incidents, such as a nurse being slapped at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic and a confrontation at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic, have reignited concerns about staff safety. Union leaders, including NUPW President Kimberley Agard and CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, called for urgent action to protect public servants, emphasizing that violence against nurses threatens the entire healthcare system. Dr. Parris reaffirmed the BNA’s commitment to addressing the issue, stressing that any attack on a nurse impacts the entire profession.