The Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association (CbVMA) convened its Biennial General Meeting during the 33rd CbVMA Conference held in Belize, 4-7 March 2024. Seven countries were represented, physically and virtually. Outgoing President, Dr. Victor Gongora, handed over the presidency to Dr. Ludwig Palacio, the incoming president. Dr. Palacio then proceeded to hold the election of officers for the Executive Council.
The new Executive Council 2024-2025:
President: Dr. Ludwig Palacio (Belize)
President-elect (incoming president): Dr. Nicholas Waldron (Guyana)
Secretary: Dr. Kathy Ann Leon (Jamaica)
Treasurer: Dr. Paul Crooks (Trinidad and Tobago)
Public Relations Officer: Dr. Nyoni Winchester (Grenada)
Coordinator: Dr. Garry Swanson (St Maarten)
The theme for the 33rd CbVMA Conference was “One Health, One Caribbean, One Future: Veterinary Solutions toward a sustainable tomorrow” and featured many academic and practical presentations addressing this theme. The opening ceremony was honoured by an address from Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Honourable Abelardo Mai and remarks by Honourable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management. Dr Sarah Wilkinson-Eytle, President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association brought greeting from that organisation, while CbVMA President Dr. Victor Gongora welcomed all participants. The conference opened with the sounds of marimba at the San Ignacio Welcome Centre and closed with a gala dinner featuring Garifuna drumming at the San Ignacio Hotel, the venue for this historic event.
Drs. Ivor Burns (Belize), Sarah Wilkinson-Eytle (Jamaica), Paul Cadogan (Jamaica) and Curtis Padilla (Trinidad and Tobago) were all honoured for their contribution to the veterinary profession in the Region. The 34th CbVMA Conference will be held in Jamaica in 2025.
