About BNAA
The Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc. (BNAA) is a professional, non-profit, and charitable organization comprised of nurses of Barbadian heritage living and working in the United States.
Founded in 1967, BNAA emerged from a shared commitment to uplift one another, improve healthcare outcomes, and create a lasting bridge between nurses in the United States and their colleagues in Barbados. BNAA has upheld a legacy of excellence in service, advocacy, and community empowerment through health promotion, education, humanitarian outreach, and professional development.
The crest, a nurse’s cap resting on a broken trident, was designed by Muriel Bushelle.
Our motto was proposed by Joyce Craig “Unus Est Vis Et Res Secundae”, “Unity is Strength is Success”.
Over the years, BNAA has remained resilient, responsive, and contributed to community health in the U.S. and Barbados. The organization provides scholarships, conducts health fairs, and offers educational support and charitable aid to numerous organizations and individuals. From our first Scholarship Luncheon in 1970 to the present, we have consistently honored our past while shaping the future.
For over five decades, we have embodied the spirit of our motto, “Unity is Strength is Success”.
BNAA Milestones
- First Scholarship Luncheon: May 24, 1970, and subsequently held every five years.
- Scholarship Luncheon will now be held every two years beginning in 2024.
- 20th Anniversary: 1987
- 30th Anniversary: 1997
- 40th Anniversary: 2007 “Celebrate the Past – Embrace the Future”
- 50th Anniversary: 2017 “50 Years of Caring and Sharing”
- 55th Anniversary: 2022 “Dedication and Caring”
- Scholarship Awards Luncheon 2024: “ Inspiring The Next Generation of Caregivers”
Our Contributions:
Our contributions span:
- Educational scholarships
- Health fairs and screenings
- Medical missions
- Advocacy and health policy forums
- Collaborative programs with churches, schools, and non-profits
- Ongoing support to Barbados Organization of Retired Nurses (BORN Haven), Nurses House USA, and Food for the Poor.
"Celebrate the Past - Embrace the Future"
The Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc., has survived many challenges and continues to maintain its viability. Much credit must be given to the dedication and commitment of our predecessors who remained focused and faithful to the association and made every effort to ensure that ideals were not compromised. The association benefited from the involvement of eighteen past presidents who were instrumental in its success. One of the past presidents, Jennylyn Griffith, who has been there since the inception, still remains actively involved.
The Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc., has survived many challenges and continues to maintain its viability. Much credit must be given to the dedication and commitment of our predecessors who remained focused and faithful to the association and made every effort to ensure that ideals were not compromised. The association benefited from the involvement of eighteen past presidents who were instrumental in its success. One of the past presidents, Jennylyn Griffith, who has been there since the inception, still remains actively involved.
Profile of Jennylyn Griffith, MPS, RN, CAN, CPQA
Jennylyn Griffith, revered by her colleagues for her tenacity, devotion, and affable nature, was born in St. Lucy, Barbados. She is a graduate of the Barbados General Hospital and Training School for Nurses (1956-1960). Jenny, as she is affectionately known, emigrated to the United States of America in 1962 and joined the staff of Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, until 1968.
Jennylyn joined the staff of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical in September 1968 and held several positions until her retirement in 2001 as the Assistant Director of the Quality Assurance Program in Nursing.
Jennylynn has a remarkable record of service and has had the distinction of serving in several offices in the BNAA, including President for six terms. In addition, she was unanimously elected “Member of the Year” in 1970 and received the Tenth Anniversary Special Award in 1977. She continues to work untiringly to promote the goals of the organization.