Celebrating 80 Years

On Sunday August 16, 2026, the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association officially launched the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of its founding with a church service held at the St. Judes Anglican Church in Stony Hill, St. Andrew.

The service was attended by several veterinarians, their family members and well-wishers including members of the JVMA Executive, led by current President Dr. Roxann Hayles, acting Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining/ Jamaica Veterinary Board Chair Dr. Sophia Ramlal and Director of Veterinary Public Health in the Ministry of Health Dr. Sydonnie Thompson-Gyles. Dr. Hayles brought greetings on behalf of the profession and spoke of the Association’s history, impact and vision for the future.

Persons were able to bring their pets to church to be blessed by the officiating priest Father Javanie Byfield, honouring the role our animals play in enriching our human lives and our world. Most of the animals brought were dogs, but there was a very special disabled parrot.

There was a petting area where children could play with puppies under the kind sponsorship of True Pet Foods and refreshments were served. The Jamaica Veterinary Board also provided sponsor support.

The JVMA was founded in 1946 when the few veterinarians in Jamaica were mainly expatriates from the Commonwealth. The Association is planning several events for the ensuing months into mid 2027.