The Society of Radiographers of Trinidad & Tobago was founded in 1973, although plans for its formation and preliminary discussions dated from as far back as 1969 when Sylvia Lawson of Jamaica met the Trinidadian Radiographers, and encouraged them to form their own national society.
By 1973, Radiographers in Trinidad and Tobago felt the real need to associate officially and, as a result, sought advice and assistance from the Society of Radiographers in London. The Society's memoranda and articles of constitution were studied closely, together with the memoranda of association of the Ontario Association of Radiological Technologists.
Five members formed the first steering committee: Claudia Barrow, Angela Telesford, Gloria Ramdial, Shirley St Rose and Wilma Collins, and set about the not inconsiderable task of preparing their own Constitution.
The inaugural meeting was held in November 1973, and Wilma Collins was elected the first President of the Society.
In 1974, the Society's first Seminar was held, during which a working policy was agreed - since firmly adhered to - of holding discussions and meetings every six weeks. There have been several more active Seminars held by the Society since that early gathering.
1977 was a significant year for the Trinidad and Tobago Society. In that year, with sponsorship forthcoming from the Canadian Society of Radiological Technologists, the Society was admitted to full membership of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT).
Sadly, between 1978 and 1980, the Society went through a period of low activity. There were few working radiographers in the country at that time, and those few were considerably overworked and harassed. Some new posts were created, however, and most of these were filled by late 1980 when interest in the Society revived.
In 1982, the incumbent President, Wilma Collins was elected to a further term of office.
There were at that time two general hospitals in Trinidad, at Port of Spain and San Fernando, employing a total of thirty-eight radiographers. There were additionally four Area hospitals, each with two radiographers in attendance. There were some private offices in the major centers.
Since the School of Radiography was founded in Jamaica around that time, the practice of providing "on the job" training for student radiographers was abandoned. In the days before the Jamaican school, a post of 'student radiographer' existed in Trinidad, which provided some practical experience for students before they left for formal training overseas.
Those matters of concern, in that day, to Trinidad and Tobago Society were: the proper use of radiation and the furthering of public awareness and acceptance of radiation medicine and its application; and a proposed government bill for the registration of members of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine.
Today the current Executive Committee of the Society is comprised of eight Registered Radiographers. Each year, an annual general meeting of the Society takes place to vote for a new executive committee.
| We introduce you to our new line up of executive members: | |
| President: | Aleth Bruce |
| Vice President: | Dana Nanansingh |
| Secretary: | Nalisha Monroe |
| Treasurer: | Lynette Laloo |
| Assistant Treasurer and Secretary: | Reshma Maheepat |
| Committee Members: | Chae Gardoo & Reisha Alleyne |
Today the practice of radiography has come a very long way and has seen tremendous advancement in the numbers and technological expertise of Radiographers in Trinidad and Tobago. Radiographers perform their duties under a Code of Professional Conduct for the profession regardless of their advanced training and specialty area.
There are four major public hospitals in the country (Port of Spain, San Fernando, Eric Williams Medical Science Complex/Mt Hope Maternity and Scarborough General Hospital. There are at least forty private institutions that offer radiological services.
Some of the radiological services that can be found in Trinidad and Tobago are:
Radiographers are trained locally at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad & Tobago (COSTAATT) who can now attain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiological Sciences (Radiography or Radiation Therapy) or specialize through affiliation with other local and international institutions.
In February 1999 the Society out of its obligation sought to identify and promote professional standards of conduct and performance and adopted a Code of Professional Conduct. This Code was developed for Trinidad and Tobago with reference to the CAMRT (Canada) and ARRT (United States of America). It is the personal responsibility of the Society’s members/radiographers to align themselves with and execute the high standards outlined in the Code:
The Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago is not the licensing body for radiographers to practice in this country. Today, a radiographer wanting to practice in Trinidad & Tobago must first be registered with the Radiographers’ Board. The Radiographers’ Board should not be confused with the Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago, as these are separate institutions with discrete functions.
In order to practice Medical Radiography (Diagnostic and Therapy) in Trinidad and Tobago, a person must be registered with the Radiographers Board. The law governing registration with the Board is Act No. 35 of 1985 “Professions Related to Medicine Act”. This law came into effect on January 1st 2005.The Radiographers’ Board is made up of ten (10) elected Radiographers.
A number of other professions are included in the Act No. 35 of 1985 (Physiotherapy, Occupational & Speech Therapy, Medical Laboratory Technology etc.) each with their respective Boards. The Boards report to The Council for the Professions Related to Medicine, which includes two (2) members of each Board. The Council reports to the Minister of Health. The registration fees goes directly to the Council.
Registration with the Radiographers’ Board assures the general public that Radiographers meet the entry-to-practice requirements as defined by the Council for the Professions Related to Medicine Act.
Prior to receiving registration by the Board, all persons dispensing ionizing radiation are required to have successfully completed an approved program in medical radiation technology and meet other requirements according to Act No. 35.
Remember all Radiographers must be registered and “a person who is registered shall be entitled to use the title Registered Radiographer” (Article 12 (1)) in Trinidad and Tobago.
No one may hold himself or herself out as a person who is qualified to practice Radiography (Medical Radiation Technology) or in a specialty of Radiography without being a member of the Radiographers Board.
Information and application forms to be registered as a Radiographer to practice in Trinidad and Tobago can be sought after at:
Address: The Council for the Professions Related to Medicine
Ministry of Health,
Henry Street,
Port of Spain,
Trinidad.
You can contact via:
Telephone/Fax: 1-(868)-623-3345
Email: professionsrelatedtomedicine@yahoo.com
You can also contact the Radiographers' Board via radboardtt@gmail.com
Foreign radiographers who would like to work in Trinidad & Tobago must first meet the requirements of the Radiographers’ Board prior to applying for a work permit via the Ministry of National Security.