LOCAL, REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS: FAO Global conference on Animal Health by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently held a conference during 23rd to 25th September at the FAO Headquarters in Italy. This was a Global conference on Animal Health Innovation, Refence Centres and Vaccines.
Representing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) was Antiguan born, Dr Nneka Hull James. Dr. Hull James, a veterinarian officer of the Ministry of Agriculture was seconded earlier this year to the CAHFSA in Suriname. With the exception of the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) from Jamaica, Dr. Hull James was the only representative for both CARICOM and CAHFSA. This also made them the only ones representing our region.
At the conference, Dr. Hull James delivered a presentation on Livestock Production in a Changing Climate: an illustration of Caribbean resilience and participated in panel discussion on challenges and opportunities faced by young professionals in the animal health sector. Additionally, she was invited to speak on the panel for the conference side events three (3) and Session eight (8). “My discussion was focused on primary obstacles preventing young professionals from being more actively involved in decision making processes within the animal health sector and the changes necessary to ensure youth voices are heard in shaping the future of the field”, Hull James reported.
Information reaching our shores attest to the good work and contribution Dr. Hull James has been providing CAHFSA since her secondment and Management at the Ministry of Agriculture commend Dr Hull James for her continued hard work and dedication. As a young veterinarian, she continues to demonstrates her ardent commitment towards Food Security, Veterinary Services and the Agricultural Sector.