Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has welcomed humanitarian assistance from the United States Southern Command, describing its Dental and Veterinary Mission as another example of the strong partnership between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. The week-long mission delivered free dental services to citizens across Trinidad and Tobago, while a parallel veterinary outreach programme was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has praised the humanitarian support provided by the United States Southern Command through the U.S. Military’s Veterinary and Dental Training Exercises in Trinidad and Tobago
The dental component of the initiative was conducted at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and other public health facilities, bringing much-needed services to dozens of nationals.
The Prime Minister said the programme highlighted a shared commitment to the “One Health” approach.
“Across our island our citizens benefitted from essential dental services and I am told there was a parallel veterinary engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reflecting our shared commitment to the One Health approach recognized through the health of people, animals and our environment are inextricably linked.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar described the mission as a tangible demonstration of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.
“From emergency preparedness for lifestock diseases to rabies awareness, vaccination outreach and farm level engagement, these initiatives reinforce the collaboration in building healthier and more resilient communities. To our partners from the United States, again thank you for your friendship, for your generosity and your unwavering commitment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Newly appointed U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Trinidad and Tobago, Philip Kern, outlined the scope of the mission.
“From July 6th to July 10th military dental professionals are working side by side with Ministry of Health personnel to provide dental examinations, extractions and oral health education to approximately 60 patients across 5 public health facilities. The benefits are real and immediate but the most enduring impact of the work is something less visible, the exchange of expertise: the forging of professional relationships and the strengthening of local systems that will continue to serve the people long after our teams have departed.”
Teams provided treatments at five public health facilities – Mayaro, Siparia, Couva, Diego Martin and the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex to maximize community reach.
Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe said the mission will continue to benefit the local healthcare sector.
The donation of unused dental supplies and pharmaceutical items to the Ministry of Health represents an investment in strengthening our health care system and supporting the continued delivery of dental services long after the mission concludes.
Executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the US Embassy said the US$38,000 initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure, enhancing veterinary emergency preparedness, and building lasting institutional capacity through professional knowledge exchange.