Health workers protest violence against women following recent assault on nurse

Armed with placards and bolstered by the support of their manager, public health workers in St James staged a protest in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, this morning, denouncing the assault of one of their colleagues in St Andrew recently.

The demonstration was organised in response to what they described as a vicious attack against the nurse practitioner, allegedly carried out by businessman Robert Bell, and served as a broader call for justice and improved protection for healthcare professionals, many of whom face threats while performing their duties.

Lennox Wallace, manager of the St James Health Services, joined the protest in a show of solidarity with his staff. He condemned not only the assault on the nurse but also what he views as a systemic issue of abuse against women and children.

“That act that he perpetrated against that nurse, it goes beyond that. I believe it starts from the home,” Wallace said while speaking to reporters.

“It's difficult to even call him a gentleman. The abuse meted out to that nurse, I don't think anything could have been worse,” he added.

Wallace also issued a pointed appeal to women, especially mothers, who remain silent about domestic abuse due to financial dependence. He urged them to break their silence and speak out.

“It is time now that we stop the violence against healthcare workers, against women, and our children in society. We want to say to these abusers: stop it now. You are less than a man,” Wallace said firmly.

Robert Bell is currently being detained following a recent appearance in the Gun Court in St Andrew. He faces several charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault at common law, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a first schedule offence, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause injuries.

According to police reports, around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, the nurse was on her way to work when her vehicle was impeded by another vehicle driven by Bell. A dispute reportedly followed, during which the woman was physically assaulted multiple times.

Albert Ferguson

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