Dr. Parks gave one of the main addresses at the National Nursing Conference held in Corozal last week Friday. In the presence of her Minister and CEO, she spoke out against political interference in the nursing profession. We've gotten a text copy of her speech and it says, quote, "The position of Principal Nursing Officer, the highest in the Nursing hierarchy in the Government Service has traditionally, been prestigious…The PNO provides policy direction and guidance to the nursing profession. This situation was changed in 2008 when almost all decisions for nursing and nurses were taken over by the political directorate at the Ministry of Health."

It continues, quote, "Even the Nurses and Midwives Council of Belize, a statutory body, which since 1923, has been effectively regulating the practice of nurses was not immune to political intervention. Under a system of micromanagement and unwarranted victimization many nurses have been deprived of their benefits for any real or imagined infraction against the powers that be."

She adds that, quote, "For example, the nurse who is has been acting as the Registrar of the Nursing Council for over seven years has not been appointed to the post, neither has the RN who is carrying out the responsibility for Infection control at the Corozal Hospital been promoted to the post. In both instances the posts are vacant, the nurses qualified and recommendation has been made by their supervisors but these have not been forwarded to the Ministry of the Public Service for processing. Even the current succession plan for filling of the Deputy Director of Health Services and Chief Nursing Officer post, which is in line with the Revised Criteria for Appointment and Advancement in the Nursing Profession is being thwarted."

And one more thing, she adds that: "Belize has not been represented at various nursing forum as representatives were often prevented for being at important regional and international meetings…even when funding was available."

How's that for a sendoff?