Regional Veterinarians convene for Conference in SVG

Veterinarians from across the Caribbean convened in Kingstown yesterday, April 22, 2024, for the 5th General Assembly of CARIBVET.

This is the first time that this event is being hosted by St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and also the first in-person CARIBVET event since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing participants at yesterday’s opening at the conference room of the National Insurance Services (NIS), Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar said as the region looks to reduce the food import bill of Caribbean member states by 25 per cent by 2025, these discussions are welcome and timely.

The minister added that the forum provides an opportunity to discuss climate change and its impact on farmers and their livestock, and find solutions going forward.

The five-day forum will also examine the use of correct safety measures in animal production, and meat safety, said permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nerissa Gittens-McMillan.

Agriculture programme manager of CARICOM, Shaun Baugh, stressed that the meeting is occurring at a time where the issue of food security is of concern in the Caribbean region and with animal health issues, including influenza found in cattle, there must be a collective approach in battling these new challenges.

He also pointed to the importance of networking not only within the Caribbean Community but also at the international level.