Green highlights importance of veterinarians in racing community

In recognition of World Veterinary Day, celebrated on April 27, horse-racing venue Caymanas Park recently shone a spotlight on to its veterinarians who play an indispensable role in the horseracing industry.

Floyd Green, minister of agriculture, fisheries, and mining, lent his support to the occasion, affirming the government’s commitment to equine welfare and fostering a thriving veterinary community through collaboration.

“Veterinarians are very important in our society,” Green emphasised, “especially in relation to not just animal health and welfare, but we recognise that everything is now interconnected.”

His words echoed a sentiment deeply ingrained in the ethos of World Veterinary Day—an acknowledgment of the symbiotic relationship between human, animal, and environmental health.

At Caymanas Park, where the horses are at centrestage, the presence of veterinarians takes on added significance. Their efforts behind the scenes ensure that each race day unfolds smoothly, with the welfare of the horses placed at the forefront.

“In areas like Caymanas Park where you have sporting activities around our animals, the welfare of those animals is fundamental,” Green remarked. “And in order for us to ensure that their welfare is being taken care of, you have to have a talented cadre of vets that work consistently to look out for that animal welfare.”

His words resonated with punters at the famous St Catherine race track, who understand the essential role veterinarians play in safeguarding the well-being of the horses they turn out weekly to watch racing.

As the festivities unfolded, Green outlined the government’s commitment to supporting the veterinary profession.

“We’ve been looking at our training programmes and looking at how we can have more vets,” he affirmed. “We’ve been looking, again, to support more of our citizens who want to pursue veterinary sciences.”

His remarks underscored a concerted effort to nurture a skilled workforce capable of upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.

Moreover, Green highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving working conditions for veterinarians.

“It is a high-stress space,” he acknowledged, “so we consistently have to look at how can we ensure that we’re taking care of the well-being of our vets?”

His stated commitment to prioritising the welfare of veterinary professionals reflected an appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.