St. Kitts and Nevis appoints Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel to senior Health Ministry roles 

Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel have been appointed as Director of Institutional Nursing Services and Director of Health Institutions in the Ministry of Health of St. Kitts and Nevis. The appointments were announced by the Ministry of Health on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The Ministry of Health congratulated both individuals on their appointments and wished them success in their new chapter of public service. The ministry further stated that it looks forward to seeing their leadership and contributions within the ministry.

They said, “We look forward to their continued leadership, dedication and contribution to enhancing the health and nursing services in the island and well-being of our people”.

Nikisha Hazel has been serving as a Deputy Coordinator of Community Nursing Services since 2003 and as a Public Health Professional has an experience of 27 years in the healthcare sector. Moreover, Hazel is currently serving as a Chair of the St. Christopher and Nevis Nurses and Midwives Council including President in the St. Kitts and Nevis Midwife Association, Member of the St. Kitts Diabetic association and Secretary of the Caribbean Regional Midwives Association.

Additionally, she completed her Master degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados in Public Health and from the University of Technology, Jamaica she did the Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Apart from her Master and Bachelor degree she also holds the qualification in Health Policy and Health System, Midwifery and Nursing Education.

Gardenia Destang-Richardson has two decades of outstanding experiences in public health leadership roles. She also served as a National AIDS Programme Coordinator from 2007 to 2019 and leading St. Kitts and Nevis national response to HIV and AIDS. Under her tenure, the federation achieved the World Health Organization’s certification in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis. As a result of this St. Kitts and Nevis became the first country in the world to receive this prestigious recognition.

Richardson has a Master of Science in Psychology along with specialization in Public Administration and Social Change and Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Science with a minor in Health.

The Minister of Health shared that they believe under Gardenia Destang-Richardson and Nikisha Hazel guidance the health sector will grow and improve.

Anthony Morris

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Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.