Award: Health and Well-Being Excellence

Ms. Melodie Hercules is a dedicated nutrition and dietetics professional, with a strong commitment to advancing public health through community-focused nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) from the University of the Southern Caribbean and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Community Nutrition at Monroe College. In her role as a Community Dietitian with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Environment, Melodie provides nutrition counseling and creates personalized dietary programs that have positively impacted the health outcomes of her clients. Her experience includes internships in the Nutrition Unit at the Ministry of Health and various roles at the Bequia SDA Secondary School, where she supported office operations and taught students. Known for her organizational skills and dedication to health advocacy, Melodie is also an active Youth Division Leader at Port Elizabeth SDA Church and a representative for the Healthy Caribbean Youth initiative in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With awards for academic excellence and a range of certifications, Melodie brings expertise, compassion, and community leadership to her work in nutrition.

Ms. Shanika John is a dedicated Health Promotion Officer, with extensive experience in health promotion, capacity building, and public health management. Throughout her career, Shanika has held multiple leadership positions, including serving as Communications Manager and Training and Capacity Building Coordinator for the Taiwan ICDF Capacity Building Program, focusing on diabetes prevention, and as Country Coordinator for the Zika Technical Working Group under USAID. Her experience spans various health-related projects, including her time as a Consultative Expert in Health Promotion for the National Health Fund and a Coordinator for the Rheumatic Fever Prevention Project with the World Paediatric Program. Shanika's educational background is robust, with degrees in public health, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of the West Indies, and certifications in leadership, climate change, and health, as well as field epidemiology. She has also completed specialized courses from institutions like PAHO and the Caribbean Public Health Agency. In addition to her professional work, Shanika is involved in several regional and international organizations, including her roles as the Country Leader for Giving Tuesday Eastern Caribbean, a Youth Advisor for the UNESCO Climate Change Youth Network, and a CARICOM Youth Ambassador for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Her leadership in youth and climate change advocacy underscores her commitment to improving health and the environment across the region.

Mrs. Genese Nichols-Williams is a dedicated radiographer, committed to advancing diagnostic imaging and patient care within her community and the broader Caribbean region. Currently working at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Genese operates X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopic equipment, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images and a positive patient experience. She holds a B.Sc. in Diagnostic Imaging from the University of the West Indies and has specialized training in breast imaging, radiation protection, and quality control through the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Pan American Health Organisation. Genese’s professional journey includes previous experience as a Retail Executive at Digicel SVG Ltd., where she developed skills in team coordination and promotion management. As a National Bursary Scholarship recipient, Genese has shown academic excellence and a passion for healthcare. An active Rotaractor, she has organized World Radiography Day activities, secured funding for radiography education, and hosted a health fair at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, underscoring her dedication to community health and outreach.

Dr. Akil Williams is a licensed Medical Doctor with a robust background in emergency medicine, orthopedic and general surgery, and radiology. He has worked extensively with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, initially as a Medical Intern and later as a Medical Officer, where he diagnoses and treats patients based on their symptoms and medical history. Prior to this, he worked as a Junior Clerk in Radiology, where he managed patient information and learned darkroom operations. Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Latin American School of Medicine, Cuba, and has completed the Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (CAMC) exams. He completed a certificate in strengthening breast imaging practices from the IAEA. He has also acquired various clinical skills, including certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, with hands-on experience in emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, and radiology. Furthermore, Dr. Williams is an active member of the SVG Medical Association and currently serves as the President of the Junior Doctors of SVG. Outside of his medical career, Dr. Williams enjoys extracurricular activities like subsistence farming, construction, cooking, and poetry. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Dr. Franké Joseph is a dedicated Medical Doctor, currently working as a Medical Officer at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), after completing his Medical Internship. Dr. Joseph earned his Medical Doctorate from All Saint’s University, having previously studied at Trinity School of Medicine. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Joseph is highly involved in community service and leadership. He was actively engaged with the Rotaract Club of Kingstown, serving as Club Service Director, Vice President, and President. He continues his involvement as a general member. Furthermore, Dr. Joseph serves as the National Health Director for Special Olympics, and has worked as medical staff for both the National Football Association and the National Rugby Association. Dr. Joseph also contributes to medical education as an Assistant Clinical Instructor for Richmond Gabriel University. His professional network includes numerous roles in sports medicine and community health, underscoring his dedication to enhancing both healthcare and his local community.

Shanelle attended the University of the West Indies, Mona franchised by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines community college Division of Nursing Education . She was a part of the very first batch to pursue a Bachelors of Science
degree in Nursing, graduating with First Class honours, and was the top performer of the batch. In 2023, she worked as a registered nurse at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and presently, she has been assigned to the Paediatric department where she has rotated through the main ward, PCCU and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

She holds a MSc. (with Distinction) from the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona and certificates in disaster-related Psychological Trauma and Mental Health Training and Smart Healthcare and Technology Application. Currently, she serves as a Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse Practioner with the Ministry of Health etc. She is responsible for the implementation of the clinical and educational responsibilities and fulfills the mandate of the Mental Health Policy and Action plan as directed by the Ministry of Health. A pivotal responsibility of the MHPNP is providing public education with emphasis on promoting mental wellness and the prevention of psychological and mental illnesses. Manages and supervises the Community Mental Health Team.

Kimberley Cambridge is Psychologist with more than 6 years experience working with adults and children with mental health disorders, behavioral disorders to provide therapeutic interventions. A Speech and Language Therapist with 4.5 years’ experience working with children and 2.5 years working with adults with speech and language disorders. Ms. Cambridge posesses a MSc. Speech and Language Therapy and a MSc. in Rehabilitation Therapy. She worked at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth and provided speech and language therapy to patients with stroke and dysphagia under the supervision of specialist speech and language therapists She delivered therapeutic interventions to patients on the rehab wards and presently she is back in SVG working as a Psychologist/ Speech and Language Therapist with the responsibility of administering counselling and therapy to persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS; administered counselling to victims of domestic abuse and rape; led interventions with families dealing with terminal illness diagnoses; counselled children with behavioural disorders; delivered therapy to adults with varied physical and mental health illnesses.