Above: the groundbreaking at RUSVM

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine has broken ground on the expansion of its campus in St Kitts.

The expansion, which officially began last week, follows the signing in October of a new 25-year partnership agreement between the RUSVM and the government of St Kitts and Nevis.

The school has already begun expanding its diagnostic imaging laboratory, with three new buildings to begin construction over the next few months.

The first is the Facilities and Pasture Management Service Centre, which will be a hub for facilities and pasture management operations.

Next will be the expansion of RUSVM’s Preparatory School, followed by the Wellness and Student Centre, which will include student study space, a relocated and enlarged gym area and a student government office, among other facilities.

“Our goal is simple yet ambitious, and this is outlined in the school’s strategic plan — to focus on our students and their program so they can become leaders in veterinary training worldwide,” said Dr Elaine Watson, dean of RUSVM. “We are also in the process of growing and developing the faculty and the academic program to compete in excellence with any vet school in the US.”

Ross currently employs 300 staff, of which about 70 percent are local nationals. The new projects could result in new positions and revenue for local businesses, the school said.