Former Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson has been appointed International College of Dentists (ICD) regent for Region 32, which makes up the English-speaking Caribbean.

Ferguson, a senior dental surgeon who also served as Minister of Labour and Social Security, and is Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, was appointed on May 13.

“By the authority granted to me by the International Council, I am pleased to inform you that you are hereby appointed International College of Dentists Regent for Region 32, English-speaking Caribbean islands.

“This is both a great honour and a great responsibility that has been bestowed upon you. With this act, the International Council expresses both the confidence we have in you as well as our high hopes for the future of ICD in the Caribbean,” read the letter of appointment from Secretary General of the International College of Dentists John Hinterman.

As ICD regent, Ferguson will represent the College in the Caribbean as its regional leader and spokesperson. He will serve for three years, which constitutes a term.

“Over the years you will organise business, social and educational meetings for the fellows. You will review the professional and personal qualifications of all candidates for fellowship, and send those you recommend to the secretary general for approval and acceptance into the college,” the secretary general informed Ferguson.

“You will encourage altruism by the fellows and being of service to the community and dental profession. As regent, you are also chief administrative agent. The finances and business affairs of Region 32 the Caribbean islands are under your direction,” the secretary general’s charge read.

Citing that worldwide, the management of the ICD is according to the college best accomplished using a team approach, the secretary general encouraged the new regent to embark on a recruitment drive for other fellows to assist him in spreading the work of the college.

Irving McKenzie, a registrar and fellow, has been assigned to keep the roles of the Fellows.

“A vice regent, Fellow Coretta Fergus has been assigned to assist you from her area of the southern Caribbean. Councilor Christopher Ogunsalu will represent your interests to the International Council. All of you share the responsibility of nominating candidates for fellowship. You may further appoint other leadership roles such as an editor, treasurer and committee chairpersons. The college office will be of assistance to you in meeting your duties, and I look forward to working with you closely,” Hinterman wrote.

The secretary general also urged greater participation by dentists in the International College of Dentists

“It is now time for ICD to become more prominent within the dental profession in the Caribbean. I well recall your inspirational remarks during the ICD convocation in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2014. I look forward to your formal installation later this year and to working with you closely over the years,” the secretary general said.