Q1. Tell us about you, your family and where you live?

I am the youngest of three siblings, born and raised in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, Jamaica. My parents are both deceased, but they instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance and service that have guided me throughout my life and career. After becoming a veterinarian, I relocated to Kingston, where I currently live with my family. I am married to Oneicia Bryan-Marsden and together we have a daughter, Tessa Marsden.

My journey toward becoming a veterinarian began when I received a scholarship to pursue studies as an Animal Health Technician at the Regional Programme for Animal Health Assistants (REPAHA) in Guyana, where I graduated in 1985. Following my training, I joined the Ministry of Agriculture and worked within the Veterinary Services Division. In 1989, I was awarded another scholarship to pursue veterinary medicine at the Kharkov Zoo-Veterinary Institute in Kharkov, Ukraine. I graduated in 1995 and returned to Jamaica to continue my service with the Veterinary Services Division, where I have remained throughout my professional career.

Over the years, I have been privileged to contribute to animal health, food safety, veterinary diagnostics, wildlife conservation and public health. My work has allowed me to serve the veterinary profession and the people of Jamaica and I remain passionate about advancing animal welfare, safeguarding public health and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Q2. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food growing up is dahl roti with curried goat. I love the combination of the flavourful, well-seasoned spicy curried goat and the soft dahl roti, which makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Q3. Do you have any favourite music?

My favourite music genre is R&B from the 1970s and 80’s (Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross, Babyface, Phil Collins). I enjoy the smooth melodies, soulful vocals and meaningful lyrics that characterised the era. The music of that period has a timeless quality and continues to be both relaxing and inspiring for me

Q4. What is your favourite sport?

My favourite sport is cricket. I have enjoyed the game from a young age and appreciate the skill, teamwork and sportsmanship that it promotes.

Q5. Tell us in a paragraph what your current veterinary position is.

I am a Senior Veterinary Officer with the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, where I serve as Head of the Veterinary Services Diagnostic Laboratory (VSDL). My professional interests and expertise are in parasitology and I have a strong passion for food safety and public health. I also represent the VSD as the National Focal Point for Wildlife to the World Organisation for Animal Health and serve as a member of Jamaica’s Scientific Authority responsible for matters relating to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES and member of our Invasive Alien Species Working Group. I have been working with the VSD, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, since 1986 and throughout my career I have been committed to strengthening animal health, food safety, wildlife conservation and veterinary diagnostic services in Jamaica.

Q6. What influenced you to become a veterinarian?

The majority of my family are farmers, so I grew up around animals from a very young age. Spending time caring for livestock and observing the important role animals played in our family’s livelihood inspired my interest in animal health and welfare. These early experiences motivated me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, where I could combine my love for animals with a desire to help both animals and the people who depend on them.

Q7. What do you enjoy most about being a veterinarian?

I enjoy making a positive difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. I find fulfilment in improving animal health, supporting food safety and public health as a regulatory veterinarian and sharing my knowledge with others to strengthen the veterinary profession and the communities we serve.

Q8. What are some of the main challenges for you and your national veterinary association?

The major challenges facing the veterinary profession and the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association include a shortage of veterinarians, limited access to veterinary pharmaceuticals, limited services in rural areas, limited exposure to first world diagnostic and solutions, emerging animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety concerns, animal welfare issues and the need for continuous professional development. Addressing these challenges is essential to protecting animal health, public health, food security and Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

Q9. How do you communicate to your organisation about the CVA and its activities?

My former CVA colleague communicated information about the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) and its activities during executive and general membership meetings, through presentations, email correspondence and professional WhatsApp groups. He also shared information obtained from CVA conferences, webinars, workshops and newsletters with colleagues to ensure they remained informed about regional veterinary issues, professional development opportunities and emerging animal health concerns. Where appropriate, he encouraged participation in CVA activities and facilitated discussions on how the knowledge gained could be applied to strengthen veterinary services and support national objectives.

As a CVA Delegate, I intend to continue and expand these efforts by actively sharing information with colleagues within the Veterinary Services Division and other stakeholders through meetings, presentations, electronic communication and professional networks. This will help promote greater awareness of CVA initiatives, strengthen regional collaboration and ensure that the benefits of CVA membership are fully realised within our organisation and the wider veterinary profession in Jamaica.

Q10. How do you think the CVA can assist you in your role as CVA Delegate?

The Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) can assist me in my role as a CVA Delegate by facilitating the exchange of information and best practices among member countries, providing opportunities for continuing professional education, and strengthening regional collaboration on animal health, public health and veterinary policy issues.

The CVA can also support delegates through timely communication, access to technical resources, regional disease surveillance updates and opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops and working groups. These initiatives would enhance my ability to effectively represent my country, contribute to regional veterinary development and share valuable information with colleagues and stakeholders in Jamaica.