Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning Stephen Tsang, speaking on behalf of President Jennifer Simons, described the occasion as an important milestone and also expressed his appreciation for healthcare workers.

“As nursing staff, you form the backbone of our healthcare system”, the minister told the beneficiaries. “While many have left, for whatever reason, you have remained here for our fellow citizens during their most vulnerable moments”, he said in praising the nurses. According to the government official, it is therefore more than justified for the government to support this group. “With this document, the State is giving you not only the right to a plot of land, but also the recognition and appreciation you deserve”, Minister Tsang said.

The minister not only congratulated the nurses but also urged them not to sell the state-owned land they had been allocated. “Let this be the foundation on which you build the future of your family and your children. Cherish this unique opportunity for financial independence and do not let it remain merely a piece of paper you receive today. The government stands beside you as you work toward building your own home”, he said.

Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor André Misiekaba said the initiative illustrates the government's joint effort to stop the brain drain in the healthcare sector. According to the minister, the issue is being approached holistically. “You may receive a better salary, but if you then have to pay 300 euros in rent, you are still not fully helped”, Minister Misiekaba told the nurses.

To emphasize the importance of nursing staff, the minister held up a mirror to society. He noted that there are many important professions at different levels, but that the healthcare sector is crucial. “When you are sick, you are precisely in the bed of that nurse,” he remarked. He therefore called on society as a whole to support and show understanding for healthcare workers.

Minister of Land Policy and Forest Management Stanley Soeropawiro highlighted the importance of owning a piece of land. He said that it contributes to personal development, security and the assurance of having a place to live. “Land is life. With a piece of land that gives you security, you know that you can build upon it,” the minister added. He told the beneficiaries that considerable work had been done in recent months to make the distribution of the documents possible.

AZP Director Claudia Marica-Redan described the initiative as an opportunity for the nurses to build something for themselves. She referred to the consequences of the departure of healthcare workers. “We know what that brain drain has done to us. We see the consequences in the hospital. That is why we should not only talk about how we can retain our healthcare workers. We must also offer them prospects so that they can remain in Suriname”, the AZP director said. She expressed her gratitude to the government for taking this step.

“I hope that together we can continue working on initiatives that not only show appreciation for our healthcare workers, but also genuinely help them build their future in Suriname”, the director continued. She also reminded the government of the other AZP nurses who are still waiting for their land allocation documents and expressed hope that the government will proceed with the same urgency so that they, too, will receive their documents.