May Stevens – First Native Matron
Yvonne May Stevens, known as May Stevens, led a remarkable life dedicated to nursing and healthcare in St. Kitts, Nevis, and beyond. Born in 1910, into a large and disciplined family, she grew up in a household that placed a high value on family and education. At the time, her father served as the Master of the Leper Home in Sandy Point. In 1914, the family relocated to Nevis, where he assumed the position of Assistant to the Surveyor. Despite objections from her mother Ethlinda Leonora (née Penn), May developed a passion for nursing during her teenage years, and she was encouraged by her father whose name was James Henry Stevens.
May pursued her nursing ambitions by enrolling in the nursing program at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in London. She completed her diploma as a State Registered Nurse during the tumultuous years of World War II, demonstrating her dedication to the profession even in the face of adversity.
Returning to St. Kitts in 1942, May took on the role of District Matron, a position that was still in its early stages of development on the island. She later served as Matron at the Glendon Hospital in Montserrat before being appointed Matron of the Cunningham Hospital in St. Kitts in 1949. Her appointment as Matron of the Cunningham Hospital was historic, as she was the first person born in St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla to hold this position.
May’s tenure as Matron was marked by her unwavering commitment to patient care and the professional development of her nursing staff. She prioritised the education and training of nurses, instituting evening courses in Mathematics and English to help nurses obtain the General Certificate of Education. She also sought scholarships for staff nurses showing leadership potential, ensuring the continuous improvement of healthcare services in the region.
Throughout her career, May’s disciplined approach and dedication to nursing earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, patients, and the community at large. Even after her retirement in 1967, she remained involved in healthcare through her work with the Red Cross in Nevis.
May Stevens was honoured for her outstanding contributions to nursing in 1969 and again in 1999. Her legacy as a pioneer in nursing and healthcare continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals in the Caribbean.
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