Trinidad and Tobago, 28th January, 2013. The Outgoing PAHO Regional Director, Dr. Mirta Roses had her last field trip to Trinidad and Tobago by the invitation of the Ministry of Health. The Director visited the newly inaugurated CARPHA Head Quarters and met the PAHO country office staff and sub-regional PAHO HIV Caribbean Office Staff on January 25, 2013.

 

 Trinidad and Tobago had been the Director’s first assignment in her nearly 30 year’s international public health experience in the organization. Dr. Roses served as an Epidemiologist at the former Caribbean regional institution- CAREC in the early 1980’s. In her farewell meeting with the PAHO staff, Dr. Roses candidly spoke about her memories and exciting cultural experience and people she met over the years. She reiterated her satisfaction and encouragement of the current progress made by countries in the region addressing public health challenges including the birth of the new regional public health agency, CARPHA. The Director also reflected on her three decades achievements and working with eminent public health leaders such as Sir George Alleyne, her predecessor at PAHO and health ministers and public health heroes in the countries. Dr. Theodore –Gandi the PAHO/WHO representative thanked the Director for her leadership, service and support over the years to the country office and presented her with special token of appreciation.