Trinidad and Tobago now has 25 new veterinarians ready to help keep our food safe and our animals healthy. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026 took the Veterinarian’s Oath on Wednesday 28th October, 2026, at the School of Veterinary Medicine Oath Taking and Prize Giving Ceremony at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mount Hope.
Delivering the feature address, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said veterinarians’ work reaches well beyond the animal clinic, into farmers’ livelihoods, public health and our food supply. “Veterinarians don’t just treat animals, they treat the people who love them,” he said.
Minister Ratiram underscored the critical role of veterinary medicine in safeguarding animal health and strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s food security, describing the health of animals and the well-being of communities as closely connected.
The Minister also emphasised that the work of veterinarians is integral to the work of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, particularly in monitoring animal diseases, preventing outbreaks and supporting farmers in keeping their livestock healthy. In everyday terms, that helps keep the meat, milk and eggs you buy safe and available, protects local farmers’ incomes and shields communities from diseases that pass from animals to people.
Speaking to the ceremony’s theme, “Rooted in Compassion, Rising with Purpose”, the Minister congratulated the graduates on reaching this milestone and urged them to bring compassion, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to their profession. The Veterinarian’s Oath was administered by Dr. Lisa Musai, Chief Veterinary Officer (Ag.).
The Ministry remains committed to strengthening animal health services and supporting veterinarians, so that our farms stay productive and our food supply stays secure.