Week 3-Day 1: Interns Witnessed Spay Surgery, Reflected on Experiences, and Shared Voices on National TV by Brent Simon

Veterinary science took centre stage at the Ministry of Agriculture’s internship program, giving interns an up-close experience with surgical animal care — and the spotlight of national media.

At the Fisheries Complex, the interns observed a live spay operation (ovariohysterectomy) performed on a female cat by Dr. Diandra Payne and Ms. Dowdy from the Ministry’s Veterinary Division. The operation, which involved the removal of the cat’s ovaries and uterus, was explained step-by-step, offering the interns a rare and educational look into veterinary procedures and the importance of animal sterilization.

Adding to the day’s excitement, a team from ABS Television visited the site and conducted interviews with four interns, capturing their thoughts, insights, and takeaways from the program. For many, it was their first time on national TV — and a confidence-boosting moment that allowed their voices to reach a wider audience.  The ABS segment was climaxed with an interview with Ms Carol’Faye Bynoe-George/Internship coordinator.

Later in the day, the interns were divided into three groups and given a chance to reflect on their personal journey through the program. Each group drew a random question to which they had to prepare an article and then presentation based on their unique internship experiences — ranging from fish pot building and soil testing to extension work and ethics-based training.  The main aim of this exercise was to promote public speaking, proper writing skills and reporting.

Following lunch, the cohort took on a custom-made agricultural crossword challenge, designed not just to test knowledge but to promote focus, strategic thinking, problem solving, positive work habits and achieving the set goal(s).

From operating tables to television cameras, the day was packed with practical learning, personal growth, and public visibility — reminding all involved that agriculture is as much about people as it is about practice.