Intern cares for pets displaced by hurricanes
(L-R) Dianne Conolly (NWDA), Erik Bodden (DoA), intern Kameron D’Hue and Paul Puckerin (NWDA)
(CNS Local Life): The Department of Agriculture (DoA) has taken on Kameron D’Hue (19) as an intern to help care for the pets of people who have been relocated to the Cayman Islands in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria throughout the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Anguilla. To accommodate the pets, the DoA has established a temporary quarantine facility for those cats and dogs that did not meet import conditions.
The DoA, in collaboration with the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) internship programme, offered young people the opportunity to work and gain hands-on experience as a kennel attendant with the department, stated a press release. Those considered for the post had to have a keen interest in working with dogs and cats as well as the aptitude to learn and understand basic veterinary terminology and procedures.
“The Department of Agriculture is indeed very pleased to be able to partner with the NWDA and to be able to use this opportunity to enable a young Caymanian to gain invaluable experience in the workplace in general and specifically in the area of animal welfare and the care and maintenance of pet animals,” said Director of Agriculture Adrian Estwick.
D’Hue, who began his internship Monday, 9 October, will be receiving hands-on training and development whilst contributing to the care of pets housed with the department.
“I am excited to be given this wonderful opportunity to work with and learn from the amazing staff at the Department of Agriculture as an intern,” D’Hue said. “It’s really great to know that I’m working alongside those responsible for keeping this historical industry alive and I would encourage the younger generation to explore various roles available in agriculture. I would like to give an enormous thanks to the NWDA and the DoA for this surreal experience and to my family for their support.”
Dianne Conolly, NWDA Training and Development Manager, spoke of the benefits of offering internships to young people, saying they provide “meaningful experiences that can enhance their employability skills and provide insight into an industry or career which would not otherwise be considered.
“This internship role will offer Kameron a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience, provide the foundation needed to progress in his chosen career pathway and help bolster interest in animal care and welfare.”
The NWDA National Internship Programme, offered through the Training and Development Unit, enables young people to gain applied experience and make connections in potential fields of interest, and gives employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.
For more information on the internship programme, call (244-4051) or email the NWDA
