NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, introduced the debate on the Veterinary Medicine Bill 2024 in the House of Assembly, October 2, 2024.   According to the Minister, the bill lays the foundation to create a 'comprehensive' regulatory regime for the practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

"It addresses critical areas such as the licensing of veterinarians, establishment of professional standards, the regulation of veterinary practices, and the establishment of a veterinary council and the appointment  of a registrar," said Minister Campbell.  "The aim of the bill is not just to uphold the welfare of animals but also to ensure that the practice of veterinary medicine remains effective, responsible and  aligned with modern scientific advancements."

He said that this bill, when enacted, will repeal and replace the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act which currently provides for the registration of persons qualified to practice veterinary surgery and regulation of that practice.

He said the enactment of this legislation will create the Bahamas Veterinary Council, which will consist of nine  persons including the Director of Veterinary Services, two veterinarians registered under this act working within the public service, four veterinarians registered under this Act and nominated by the Veterinary Medical Association of The Bahamas, one veterinary professional and another person. Those appointed to the Council will serve a term of three years.

He said that Section 6 of the bill sets the functions of the Bahamas Veterinary Council, which include the consideration and approval of the qualification of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals who  apply for registration under this Act; registration and licensing of persons who satisfy the  requirements for registration and licensing as veterinarians under this Act; regulation of the standards of the practice of veterinary medicine and  the ability and competency of a veterinarian to provide veterinary medical services among other functions.

The Minister also outlined the qualifications needed for professionals in the field.  " A person shall be qualification to be registered as a veterinarian under this Act if he is a legal resident of The Bahamas, holds a degree in veterinary medicine from a  university accredited by the National Accreditation  and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas established by the Equivalency Council of The  Bahamas Act  and is a member of the Veterinary Medical Association of The Bahamas."

He also explained various sections of the bill, which spoke to the qualification of professionals in the field, the conditions under which they could operate, their obligations and the disciplinary measures that could be imposed by the Council.

“The Council after considering the report from the  committee may make a disciplinary order, which allows them to remove the person's name from the register, suspend the registration, and or, license for such  period as the Council thinks fit; cancel the registration, and or, license; or refer the complaint to the police for further investigation.

"The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and relevant stakeholders have taken care to ensure that this bill will encourage best practices in the veterinary industry and that it will be a catalyst to not only expand the  industry but assure present livestock farmers and future farmers that there are qualified and regulated professionals in country that can tend to their animals.  While most people may think of their local vet who takes  care of the family pets, this legislation also encompasses  the care of hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars in assets to large scale livestock farmers. Large scale livestock farming is something that we hope to increase in the country as we further our effort in food security."   

(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)