Department Of Agriculture Welcomes New Veterinarian
New Vet-- Dr Kofi Sylvester & Director of Agri Jeanelle Kelly
Basseterre, St. Kitts: The Department of Agriculture, St. Kitts welcomed its new Veterinarian, Dr. Kofi Sylvester on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
Dr. Sylvester immediately assumes the role of Veterinary Officer in the Veterinary Services Unit.
He was born on the island of Tobago, the sister Isle of the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The second of two children, Dr. Sylvester’s love for agriculture began in his early years while spending time with his father who worked as an agricultural foreman at the island’s Farm School.
His love for medicine was nurtured as he pursued secondary-level education at Bishop’s High School, Tobago where he focused on sciences.
He attained his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine where his research topic, “Farm Animal Production” became his passion.
His professional interests include animal behaviour and welfare and theriogenology, which focuses on animal reproduction.
Dr. Sylvester was led on an introductory tour of the Department by Director, Jeanelle Kelly. During the brief meet and greet with staff, he expressed that his love and passion for farm animal production will be the driving force as he endeavours to work with the Government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis towards achieving greater food security and increased production.
In a brief interview with the Media and Communication Unit, the newly assigned Vet explained how he intends to assist livestock farmers.
He said, “As the Veterinary Officer I would be mainly in charge or mainly helping farmers along with their medicine and with their production such as their breeding status, the breeding practices and ensuring that the food that does come to the table of the people of St. Kitts is healthy and that the farmers are doing as best as they can do.”
Dr. Sylvester will be tasked with the surveillance, prevention, treatment, and control of animal diseases affecting the Livestock sector.
A second Veterinarian is expected to arrive in the federation next month, as the Ministry of Agriculture works persistently to provide farmers with improved access to veterinary services, in efforts to enhance the sector.