February 21-27, 2015
NEWS 15
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Happy dog owners with their beloved pet pooch
Visiting vet Dr Suma Rao carries out the delicate operation
Clinic prevents unwanted litters TWENTY-five dogs and cats were spayed and neutered this month during a four day clinic in Providenciales. The Turks and Caicos Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPCA) ran the wellness clinic at their office from February 11 to 14. Dr Suma Rao, a visiting volunteer veterinarian from the United States, carried out the surgeries and was assisted by vet techs Mary-Ann Sterling and Jennifer Bernard. More than 30 animals were
vaccinated and a number of dogs had heartworm tests as part of the TCSPCA’s ongoing ‘Heartworm Prevention’ campaign. A press release from the TCSPCA explained that heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs in the TCI. It is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to
other organs in the body. The disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. “For this reason, prevention is by far the best option, and treatment - when needed should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible,” the release read. In addition the Department of Agriculture provided identifying microchips
Success for accounts students TWO hard working employees at PricewaterhouseCoopers have passed a set of rigorous exams to become qualified accountants. Ana Alicia Coalbrooke and Ralph Patrick both achieved success in the Certified Public Accounts (CPA) examinations to the delight of the firm’s management. Joseph.P Connolly, senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “We are absolutely delighted for and immensely proud of Ana and Ralph, who have shown real dedication in passing these very difficult exams while at the same time working as part of the audit teams in the office. “PwC has for many years had an active training programme to support Turks and Caicos Islanders in reaching their goal to become qualified professional accountants. “I think we have an unmatched record in training young TCI graduates and we as a firm take great pleasure in their achievements.
Ana Alicia Coalbrooke joined the firm in 2008 as an administrative assistant
“I am sure as newly qualified accountants that they will be an asset to the firm, the profession and to the community of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Coalbrooke was born in
Miami, Florida, but grew up on the island of Grand Turk. She joined the firm in 2008 as an administrative assistant and continued to intern during breaks while at the University of Central Florida. She completed her degree in 2012 and re-joined the firm on a training contract where she combined hands-on training with the rigorous CPA exams. Coalbrooke is now eligible to be enrolled as a member of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Association. Her success follows on from that of Patrick who passed his exams early last year. He was born on the island of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, but grew up in Providenciales. Patrick joined the firm in 2012 after obtaining his Bsc in Accounting at the University of Harding in Arkansas. He completed his student contract in 2014 and passed his final CPA exams in March last year.
which were implanted during surgery, and all dogs were licensed. The TCSPCA spay and neuter programme is a crucial part of animal control in the TCI and cuts down the number of unwanted litters. “The Provo clinic would not have been possible
without the support of local businesses and restaurants and the dedicated TCSPCA volunteers who made all the appointments, manned the phones, prepared paperwork, cleaned surgical instruments and cages,” the release said. “Special thanks to Michael Orr for providing wonderful
accommodations for the vet team, Mango Reef for a delicious dinner, and Top of the Cove, Tiki Hut, and Mis Amigo’s for very tasty lunches.” Those wishing to book an appointment for their pet the next clinic can contact the TCSPCA on 941-8846.