DERRICK P BYGRAVE
Norris Yallahs,St. Thomas
Summary
Highly experienced Animal Health Technician with over 20 years in animal health services, quarantine operations, disease surveillance, and veterinary public health. Proven ability to supervise quarantined premises, conduct inspections at ports, collect laboratory specimens, and support disease eradication campaigns. Strong leadership, reporting, and staff supervision capabilities aligned with Ministry standards and procedures.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Quarantine Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Quarantine Division
01.2013 - Current
- Inspect animals and animal by-products at seaports and approved sites to ensure compliance with quarantine and public health standards.
- Supervise the disposal of international catering waste in accordance with established guidelines.
- Investigate suspected emergency animal diseases and support outbreak response activities.
- Collect specimens including blood, faecal, meat and other samples for laboratory examination.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare timely reports.
- Provide guidance to importers and agents on quarantine requirements and animal importation procedures.
Animal Health Technician / Field Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Veterinary Services Division
01.2002 - 01.2013
- Conduct animal disease surveillance programmes and implement disease control measures.
- Conduct physical examinations of animals, assist with diagnosis, and administer treatments including injections, deworming and udder infusions.
- Collect and prepare laboratory specimens including blood, milk, faecal and parasitic samples.
- Assist with post-mortem examinations.
- Participate in disease eradication campaigns.
- Train farmers and stakeholders in animal health, nutrition and disease prevention.
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate operational records.
Teacher of Agricultural Science
Kellits High School
09.2002 - 12.2002
- Instruction and curriculum developing and teaching lesson plans
- Maintain records
- Assess and evaluate student performance
- Mentoring students on projects
- Supervise students agricultural experiences
- Practical training
Teacher of Agricultural Science
Crofts Hill Primary & Junior High School
01.1999 - 01.2001
Intern
Agro-Grace Limited
01.1999
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Shortwood Teacher's College
Kingston, Jamaica07-2027
Certificate - Prevention and Treatment of Animal Epidemics
Jilin Agricultural University
ChinaAssociate Degree - Agricultural Science
CASE
Diploma - Education (Agricultural Science)
CASE
Certificate - Agriculture
Knockalva Agricultural School
Electrical Installation Levels I, II & III - undefined
HEART Trust/NTA
Skills
- Animal Disease Surveillance & Control
- Quarantine Inspection & Enforcement
- Veterinary Public Health at Ports
- Specimen Collection & Diagnostics
- International Garbage Disposal Oversight
- Staff Supervision & Performance Monitoring
- Report Writing & Record Management
- Disease Eradication Campaigns
LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN RESOURCE EXPERIENCE
- Chairman, Kellits Primary School Board (2008–2013)
- Experience supervising quarantined premises and coordinating field activities
- Conducted training and sensitization sessions for farmers and stakeholders
- Strong background in mentoring, guiding and evaluating staff performance
Timeline
Animal Quarantine Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Quarantine Division
01.2013 - Current
Teacher of Agricultural Science
Kellits High School
09.2002 - 12.2002
Animal Health Technician / Field Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Veterinary Services Division
01.2002 - 01.2013
Teacher of Agricultural Science
Crofts Hill Primary & Junior High School
01.1999 - 01.2001
Intern
Agro-Grace Limited
01.1999
Associate Degree - Agricultural Science
CASE
Certificate - Agriculture
Knockalva Agricultural School
Electrical Installation Levels I, II & III - undefined
HEART Trust/NTA
Bachelor of Science - Education
Shortwood Teacher's College
Certificate - Prevention and Treatment of Animal Epidemics
Jilin Agricultural University
Diploma - Education (Agricultural Science)
CASE