The indigenous village of Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has the distinction of being home to a nationally recognised nurse who has delivered over 1,700 babies and even after retirement, continues to lend her skills and services to the Indigenous Patamona people of the mountainous region.
Matilda Saigo Williams, 72, a retired nurse and midwife has twice been recognised at the national level for her outstanding contribution in the field of health by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.
She has assisted in the births of over 1,700 persons in Paramakatoi and even after retiring in 2013, continues to be the person her neighbours turn to when in need of a nurse or midwife. However, Williams was not always a nurse. As a matter of fact, she did not even plan to be a nurse and her entry into the field occurred by chance.
