“Dynamite comes in small packages”, said Dr. Fozy Peer, President of the ISRRT (International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists), as she addressed fifty-five (55) countries that converged at the Hyatt Regency, in the small Caribbean island of Trinidad, on the 12th to 15th April 2018 during the 20th ISRRT World Congress. The theme of the Congress, We Care, highlighted Radiographers’ care of patients, colleagues, students and the Radiography profession.
Fifty-five countries attending the 20th ISRRT World Congress at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad hosted by Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Congress was hosted by the Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago (SRTT), a non-government organization of 45 years. Trinidad and Tobago is the smallest country to ever host such a conference, as previous hosts include Hong Kong, USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Finland and South Korea. Given the many financial and social constraints that Trinidad and Tobago currently faces, SRTT is truly encouraged as delegates have labelled this congress “the BEST” yet.
Participants basked not only in the warmth of the Caribbean sun but also in the warmth of the Trinbagonian hospitality. The scientific sessions commenced with the prestigious Hutchinson Memorial Lecture, a traditional feature address in honour of the first ISRRT Secretary General, E.R. Hutchinson, which was delivered by Dr. Pablo Jimenez, PAHO Regional Radiological Health Advisor in Washington. As the meeting progressed, it included five plenary speakers, 130 oral presentations, 20 poster presentations, six educational tracks and two specialty forums which addressed topics in Radiography Education and Radiation Protection and Safety.
The Opening Ceremony was addressed by The Deputy Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Councillor Hillan Morean as he welcomed all guests to the capital city. A representative from the Ministry of Heath, Dr. Alexander Sinanan, a Consultant Radiologist and Chairperson of the National Radiation Steering Committee, gave opening remarks on behalf of the Minister of Heath. The President of the Radiological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (RSTT) also addresses delegates and reminded Radiographers of the importance of viewing more than “Fifty Shades of Grey”.
The Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago must be recognized and congratulated for a job well done as they charged on and hosted a World Congress with limited local financial support. The success of the Congress was not measured by the profit made or number of persons attending, though, but rather the impact that the scientific sessions, networking and lasting friendships made on the attending delegates. Delegates were inspired to do more for their profession and collaborate at a global level to conduct research and make positive changes in their communities.
Local Organising Committee from Left-to-right: Anushka Kattick-Mahabirsingh (at the podium), Aleth Bruce, Dana Nanansingh, Chae Gardoo, Reshma Maheepat, Lynette Laloo, Aneesa Ali, Justin Mahabirsingh, Adrian Sampath, Wilma Collins, Jyoti Deonarine and Roxanne Pantin of iCreate Events Ltd.
Without the kindness of sponsors and exhibitors, the Congress would not have been remotely possible. The Local Organising Committee sincerely thank all sponsors and exhibitors who showed they care.
Sponsors:
ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Biomedical Technologies Ltd., Cemrad, Curis Technologies, Gulf View Medical, MRI Trinidad and Tobago Ltd.
Exhibitors:
AA Laquis, Australian Association of Medical Imaging Technologists, Bayer, Biomedical Enterprises Trinidad and Tobago Ltd., Bryden Pi, Canadian Association of Medical Imaging Technologists, CMR with IQ Medical, European Society of Radiology, Guardian Life, HTSI Healthcare Solutions, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy, Medimax, The Michener Institute of Education, Radiographers’ Board of Trinidad and Tobago, University College Dublin, Western Scientific, Vertual Medical Coaching, Vertual Ltd.
AV/ Lighting Partners:
Rene Sound and Vision, Light Tech Services Ltd.
Additionally, the SRTT thanks the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) and North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) who facilitated hospital tours; Montrose Government School, Naparima College, Bishop Anstey High School, Malik & Shiv Shaki Dance groups, Johann Chuckaree on the steelpan and the Moko Jumbie Mas Camp for their heartwarming and energetic performances during the Opening Ceremony. The Prisons Service Band and Rene Sound & Vision provided superb entertainment during the Congress Gala Dinner and Injoy Tours executed a Panyard Lime and Cultural Experience that made the world move in unison to the beat of the sweet steelpan music.
Some of the delegates learn to play the pan during one of the social evenings.
Radiographers are pumped, excited and ready to push Medical Imaging forward in Trinidad and Tobago as they prepare for the 21st ISRRT World Congress that goes to Dubin, Ireland during the week of August 24th 2020.
