Vincentian nurses are among foreign nationals who have not escaped the effects of the shrinking economic climate in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
According to reports in the Trinidad media, it has been estimated that close to 100 foreign nurses have been let go from the nation’s hospitals after their contracts were not renewed.
Confirming this, president of the T&T Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) Idi Stewart described it as the latest crisis to hit the health sector.
Among them are persons from Grenada, St, Vincent and the Grenadines, and Cuba.
Stewart said the contracts of these Caricom professionals were not renewed, resulting in many of them seeking job opportunities at private hospitals and other health institutions.
Blasting Government for not having its priorities straight, Stewart said retrenchment began in 2015 after the current administration assumed office.
Claiming there was a chronic nursing shortage at all public hospitals and foreign nurses had been providing a supplementary service, Stewart said other cuts in the industry had placed an even greater burden on nursing professionals.
Stewart revealed that a decision had been taken to reduce extra duties in order to avoid paying overtime; along with the permanent removal of stipends to the incoming cohort of nursing applicants.