He is knowledgeable. He is not afraid to talk and he is Russian-trained. Meet Dr Gavin Bellamy, the general manager of Serge Island Dairies and Farms.

Dr Bellamy took over the ‘pastures’ at Serge Island earlier this year and is working assiduously to improve efficiencies at the farm which forms part of the Seprod Group of companies.

He informed Observer North East that although he has just taken over the role as general manager, he has been with Serge Island for a long time.

“I studied veterinary medicine in Russia, but I did many of my practical courses here at Serge Island. So I know the operations here quite well.

“Also, I worked in the government service for a while and had to visit Serge quite often for inspections and other duties,” Dr Bellamy informed.

Dr Bellamy took the leap to Serge after much thought and now says that he definitely made the right choice.

“Since I have been here, I have seen and felt the commitment of Seprod to Jamaica. The company is all about Jamaica, producing in Jamaica, employing Jamaicans in the many industries which the group spans.

“I am particularly enamoured by this approach and willing work to improve the workers I lead and of course, to make profits which will ensure growth and stability,” the Serge Island Dairies and Farms general manager said.

As to studying veterinary medicine in the cold climes of Russia.

“Well, it was cold. I was actually in the Ukrainian city of Kharkov, which is someway from the capital city of Kiev.

“The course itself was pretty intensive with a lot of practical and research work.

“Studying in Russia opened vistas for me, as students could travel a lot and that assisted in my development. Absolutely no regrets,” Dr Bellamy said with an assured look on his face.

The vet stated unequivocally that he is on a mission at Serge.

“My mission is to make things better for all concerned: the workers, the communities nearby, our Seprod shareholders and, of course, Jamaica. So, efficiency is my number one target; efficiencies from the workers, the management team, efficient pastures, efficient cows and just efficiency in all our operations,” Dr Bellamy said.