T&T hosts Ground-breaking Event to Strengthen Animal Health Systems

 

March  25, 2025:- The 25th Anniversary of the CARICOM Committee of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVOs) and the 6th Meeting of the CaribVET Steering Committee officially opened yesterday (Monday 24th March, 2025) at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, bringing together over 100 veterinary, agricultural and health experts from across the Caribbean to strengthen regional animal health and food safety systems.

Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, underscored the vital role of veterinary services in national and regional development. He used the platform to issue a stern warning to individuals involved in the illegal importation of animals, stating “those who are involved in the unlawful smuggling of animals into our country will feel the full brunt of the law. These actions not only threaten our food systems and animal health but also jeopardise the livelihoods of our citizens and public health.

Minister Hosein also emphasised the broader significance of the week’s proceedings, noting that: “This week is not only about the past 25 years—it is about shaping the next 25. We are building systems that our farmers, consumers, and future generations will depend on. Systems that will enable us to respond swiftly to a disease outbreak, negotiate trade agreements with confidence, and deliver nutritious, locally produced food to our people.”

Also speaking at the event was the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, who emphasised the importance of adopting a One Health approach across the region. “Collaboration across sectors and disciplines through a One Health approach is a vital solution for addressing the complex health challenges facing our society,” said Minister Deyalsingh. “To prevent, detect and respond to emerging health challenges, all relevant sectors must collaborate in an integrated manner to achieve together, what no sector can achieve alone.”

Dr. the Honourable Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, also addressed the gathering, stating “Always remember—we are stronger together. You, the Chief Veterinary Officers, are a vital part of the success of our regional councils. I am honoured to be here to contribute in some small measure to your deliberations. Your success is CARICOM’s success. The pathogens do not really operate in silos—neither should we. Those who analyse wildlife and animal products collaborate closely across borders—so should we.”

Also in attendance were representatives from international organisations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET). Their involvement added valuable expertise and support to discussions on animal health, food safety and regional cooperation, helping to strengthen efforts to protect agriculture and public health in the Caribbean.

The week-long event will continue with a series of technical sessions focused on animal disease surveillance, One Health approaches, emergency preparedness and capacity building activities. The programme will also include a gala and awards ceremony to honour past and present contributors to regional veterinary services.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is proud to host this significant event and remains committed to supporting the collaborative work of the CCCVOs and CaribVET in strengthening the resilience and food security of the Caribbean.

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