 The month of May is a very special month for nurses as we celebrate International Midwifery Day on May 5th and International Nurses Day on May 12th, which is a global celebration of the commitment, dedication, devotion, and bravery of nurses around the world. These celebrations highlight and bring to focus the valuable contribution of nurses and midwives in the healthcare journey of our population. Nurses to include midwives represent the highest proportion of healthcare workers globally and St. Lucia is no exception. Nurses are the backbone of all healthcare systems as they continue to play key roles in health surveillance, disease prevention and management, nursing education, nursing regulation, and health promotion. Midwives provide care and support during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of mothers and babies. As nurses and midwives together celebrate International Nurses Day 2022, there is an urgent call for investment in nursing in line with the theme, nurses, a voice to lead, invest in nursing, and respect rights to global health. It is the opportune time to translate all acknowledgments of nurses' dedication, sacrifice, and selflessness into governmental support as the Pan American Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses call for increased investments into nursing education, nursing jobs, nursing practice, and nursing leadership amid the growing global crisis of nursing shortage. This year, in keeping with the theme, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs will conduct a review of the nursing situation in St. Lucia and develop a strategic plan to address the growing challenges in education, practice, service delivery, employment, leadership, and workforce planning. As we continue with our celebrations throughout the month of May, I take this opportunity to thank every nurse in St. Lucia for your unwavering commitment, professionalism, compassion, and dedication to the nursing profession and to the health and well-being of our people. I encourage you to stay steadfast and vigilant as we approach the sixth wave of COVID-19, and I invite all St. Lucians to help celebrate and recognize our nurses as true Aung San heroes. Let us all continue to pray for God's continued protection upon us and our families. Have a great celebration, for you are all worthy of the recognition and the praise you receive. Thank you.