Jamaican pharmacists took home several trophies and awards from the recently concluded 27th Annual Convention of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) held last month in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Dr. Eugenie Brown, head of the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, who hails from Westmoreland, was named 'Caribbean Pharmacist of the Year'. She took home the Blue Cross of Jamaica Trophy for 'All-round Professional Excellence'. Alicia Smith, chief pharmacist of Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, shared the Professional Practice Award with Lynette Melbourne of Gynae Associates Pharmacy in Kingston. Regulator Leonie Wallace, employed to the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica, was tipped as 'Best Performer' in her category. Yvonne Johnson Reid, manager of the Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN), won the 2006 Fairplay Award. Rose Victory from Old Harbour, was recognised as the 'Most Impressive Newcomer' to the event. Royale Pharmacy of Savanna-la-Mar was runner-up for the Health 2000 Sigma Pharmacy Business Award. HD Hopwood's signature award for the Caribbean Pharmacist Primus went to a St. Lucian, Francis Burnett, managing director of the OECS Drug Procurement Services.
A big winner was the National Health Fund's project CARPIN. The concept was rewarded for its innovativeness and public value as it strengthens Jamaica's national response to poisoning. CARPIN is located at the University of Technology in partnership with the Ministry of Health, National Council on Drug Abuse and the University Hospital of the West Indies. The Project won the Eureka Trophy from CARIMED and The HIC Lowe Trophy
Local pharmacist re-elected to top post
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, pharmacist from Montego Bay, became the first pharmacist to lead the prestigious 30-year-old regional body for four consecutive terms. She was re-elected by a convincing 3-1 margin. Ms. Campbell-Grizzle exceeded the three-term record set by her Bajan predecessor.
"I am truly humbled and overwhelmed by the urgency that members attached to my retention of the leadership post," the CAP president said. "They were of the view that a strong team is needed to lead current discussions related to harmonization of legislation, standards of practice, movement of skills and continuous upgrading of pharmacy education."
Mrs. Campbell-Grizzle is the director of Information and Research at the National Council on Drug Abuse.
The event was held under the theme 'Empowering Caribbean Pharmacists for Life', at the Royal Marriott, in Basseterre, St. Kitts, from August 13 to 20.
