The establishment of the Bahamas Branch of the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET) in 1965 started a new wave of life and vigor for the field of Medical Technology in the Bahamas. Norma Allen was elected the first Branch Chairperson and was assisted by Barbara Thurston, Jewel Adderley and Maltina Storr. Throughout the 1970's, the Branch continued to thrive by having regular meetings, guest speakers, educational seminars, fund raising events and other activities. In October of 1979 the Bahamas Branch of CASMET hosted the historical twenty-fifth Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the then "Society of Medical Technologists W.I." (soon to be renamed CASMET). This was the first A.G.M. to be held outside of Jamaica and saw the largest attendance of delegates and was the first time persons representing Regional Branches outside Jamaica were elected to the Regional Council. In the early 1980's the Bahamas Branch accomplished several milestones including having nine of its members graduate with a Diploma in Medical Technology from The College of the Bahamas. However at the end of the 1980's membership activity of the Branch decreased. In July 1994 a general meeting was held in the "Eye Wing" at the Princess Margaret Hospital and reactivation of the Bahamas Branch of CASMET followed. During the period of 1994 - 1996 executives and members sat down and wrote the by-laws of the Association, with the guidance of Justice Joseph Strachan. These by-laws served as the guidelines for the writing of the Health Professions Act, which was enacted in Parliament in 1998 to regulate the Allied Health Profession as it pertained to Medical Technology. In 2001, the association hosted the first ever Joint Education Program and Convention of the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and CASMET. This convention took place from July 30th - August 4th, 2001 at the Nassau Marriot Resort & Crystal Palace Casino. It was the first time that the Education Program and Convention of AMT was held outside the United States of America. Approximately 1,000 local and international participants were in attendance. In 2013 the Bahamas was host to the Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Symposium which took place from October 22nd - 26th, 2013 at the Atlantis Resort. Brief CASMET History
The Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET) for Laboratory Professionals is a non-profit professional organization which seeks to foster the development and promotion of Medical Laboratory Technology in Jamaica, the Caribbean, Central America and the Dutch Antilles by way of conferences, meetings, lectures, etc. The Association which was first formed in Jamaica in September 1954 was accepted as a member of the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (IAMLT) in 1960 and is an affiliate of the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The Current Executive Board Term 2014 - 2016:
Chairperson: Harriet Gardiner
Vice Chairperson: Sybil Ballard
Secretary: Lynette Saunders
Assistant Secretary: Karen Ingraham
Treasurer: Marjorie Palmer
Assistant Treasurer: Michelle Horton
Public Relations Officer: Janae Francis
Council Members:
Cory Eldon
Inga Burrows
Bonnie Culmer
McKell Newry
Former Chairpersons:
Norma Allen - 1965
Dorie Bowleg
Charles Hunt
James Mackey
Bonaventia Culmer - 1994 to 1996
Icelyn Butler 1996 to 2001
Jalna Bullard 2001 - 2005
Lynette Saunders 2005 - 2008
Bonaventia Culmer 2008 - 2010
Madge Swann 2010 - 2011
Bonaventia Culmer 2011-2014
