About CCAS
ABOUT CCAS
The Caribbean Cytometry & Analytical Society (CCAS) is a professional society founded in April 2006 by members of the Barbados Ministry of Health's HIV Laboratory and members of the University of the West Indies involved in laboratory science.
Our mission is to improve antiretroviral drug treatment for HIV/AIDS patients across the Caribbean. This year we aim to:
- Train HIV healthcare specialists
- Inform decision makers about new technology and best laboratory practice
- Involve all countries of the Caribbean
- Raise money for our great cause
PURPOSE
To foster a whole-team approach towards optimal diagnosis and clinical management of HIV/AIDS, involving program managers, clinicians, laboratory staff, nurses and counsellors. To foster growth and the science of flow cytometry and molecular biology technology in the Caribbean for medical and scientific uses. Through networking with sister societies internationally, the Caribbean society aims to build networks that will accelerate the transfer of technology and expertise to the region for the purpose of human resource development in this field.
FUNCTION
The society will develop sister relationships regionally and internationally, organize workshops and meetings, disseminate relevant training and current material amongst its members. It will act as an advocate between members and governments of the region for the promotion of these fields of endeavour.
PEOPLE
President: Dr. R. Clive Landis
Vice President: Dr. Akin Abayomi
Secretary: Mrs. Namrata Sippy-Chatrani
Treasurer: Ms. Songee Branch
Branch Regional Council (as of Dec 2006):
Riem van den Berg (Aruba), John Codrington (Suriname), Arlene Darmanie (Trinidad & Tobago), Cosmore Denny (St. Vincent), Ireneous Descartes (St. Lucia), Shanwell Gardiner (Turk & Caicos), Jasmine Hanley (St. Kitts & Nevis), Doreen Herrera (Belize), Catherina Jemmott (Dominica), Yvette Irving (Guyana), Vera Layne (Barbados), Claudine Nolte (Haiti), June Salhab (Grenada), Angela Skerritt (Montserrat), Ismae Whyms (Bahamas), Evadne Williams (Jamaica).
ELIGIBILITY
Any member of the HIV/AIDS caregiving team: program managers, clinicians, laboratory staff (HIV lab or medical lab technologists), VCT counsellors, nurses, and scientists with degrees in life sciences. Other medical professionals or company employees with an interest in the diagnosis and clinical management of HIV/AIDS.
PARTNERS
The CCAS is a partner society of the Clinical Cytometry Society (CCS) and the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis (ESCCA). CCAS is also working alongside the Strengthening of Medical Laboratory Services in the Caribbean Project of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) to help build laboratory capacity across the region.
