Jamaican Nurses Unite in Nationwide Protest Against Violence After Viral Attack

Kingston, Jamaica – In a heartfelt display of unity and strength, nurses across Jamaica staged coordinated protests on Monday demanding justice and an end to violence against women and children. The movement follows a harrowing viral video showing a brutal assault on a Jamaican nurse, sparking national outrage and a wave of solidarity across the healthcare sector.

Healthcare professionals from Kingston to Montego Bay gathered outside hospitals, clinics, and national landmarks, holding placards and voicing their plea: “No excuse for violence.”

The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), along with the Enrolled Nurses Association and the Jamaica Midwives Association, led the island-wide demonstrations. Their message was clear — violence, especially against women and frontline workers, must stop.

"We Are Not Silent Anymore"

NAJ President Dawn-Marie Richards called for the country to confront the growing pattern of violence with urgency.

“A lot of things have been happening in recent times to our women and our children, and we find it very disheartening,” Richards said. “No excuse for violence. It is not fair, the things that are happening to our women and our children.”

Richards also noted the emotional toll that violence and daily stress take on nurses, who are frequently targets of aggression in hospitals.

“Sometimes persons come with their different conditions, and we know the fears and the anxiety. But we ask for patience, not the abuse of nurses.”

Support for a Colleague in Crisis

Claudette Clarke Waugh, president of the Enrolled Nurses Association, confirmed that the nurse in the viral video is one of their own. She described the attack as a "heinous crime" and emphasized that the nurse is now suffering from serious physical injuries, including difficulty raising her arms, facial swelling, and persistent neck pain.

“We come in support of our colleague because enough is enough,” Waugh declared. “We’re breaking the silence because for too long, women and children have been subjects of abuse.”

Her association, she added, is providing spiritual and emotional support to the injured nurse.

“This Is Where We Take Care of Our Nation”

Sharon Banbury-Edwards, president of the Jamaica Midwives Association, expressed horror upon hearing of the assault.

“She’s in her uniform, on her way to work. This is where we take care of our nation. And this is how you treat us? This is unacceptable.”

Her statement resonated deeply across social media platforms, where thousands of Jamaicans have voiced support for nurses and called for action.

Government Responds: "This Should Never Have Happened"

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, condemned the attack and issued a powerful call for society to protect its frontline workers.

“When you see somebody in uniform, one of our civil servants, being attacked, it’s really an attack on society,” Tufton stated. “Their work saves our lives.”

He emphasized the need for stronger protections and accountability.

“We have to send a strong message that they should never be alone, and that the law should take its course.”

This tragic incident has become a rallying point for healthcare workers and advocates across Jamaica. As nurses demand justice for their colleague and broader protection for women and children, one thing is clear: their voices are rising — and they will not be silenced.

Join the conversation. Share this story. Stand with Jamaican nurses. #NoExcuseForViolence