2008 SVM Outreach Seminar a Success

“First Aid/Emergencies in Farm and Companion Animals” was the theme of this year’s Veterinary Seminar, held on the 26th March, the fifth of its series.  

Timely topics such as “Toxic Plants and Other Toxic Dangers”, “General Emergency Procedures for Animal Owners” and “Basic Management of Trauma and Poisoning” were addressed. The over 50 participants included farmers, health care workers and government officials, who would become resource persons in their various communities, sharing and applying the knowledge acquired.

Honourable Senator Gregory Bowen, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Fisheries declared the seminar open.  He described the current and increasing global food crisis resulting from the high cost of food, food being diverted to energy production, and emerging diseases and pests as a grave concern. He stressed that the public should be sensitized to counter such crises and to deal with emergencies. Chief Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Bowen Louison, highlighted the ministry’s role stating that “the level of development of a country does not in any way diminish the role of government as first responders in most if not all health matters.”

Dr. Allen Pensick, Provost of SGU; Dr. Raymond Sis, Dean of SVM; and Dr. Ravindra Sharma, Department Chair and Coordinator of the Seminar, added their voices to the discourse. Scientific sessions were conducted by Dr. Timothy Aylife, Roberto Cediel, Roubina Honarchian , Dr. Saul Mofya and Mr. P. Mawasha, Commonwealth consultant to the government of Grenada Ministry of Agriculture.  The seminar concluded with Farm Demonstration sessions, conducted by  Mr. Graeme Stratton and Dr. Saul Mofya. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the informative and enjoyable seminar.  Mrs. Catherine Wybern, one of the event’s organizers, related: “We have had wonderful calls thanking us and all are looking forward to next year’s new Seminar.”

The SVM thanks all those who have been instrumental in making the 2008 Veterinary Outreach Seminar the success that it was. Great job team!