KINGSTON, Jamaica - The first female veterinarian to work at Caymanas Park, Dr Grace McDonnough Lyon, says she was pleased for the recognition given to her by her present-day colleagues and the promoting company Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited for her service to the equine industry. During her tenure at Caymanas Park, Dr McDonnough Lyon provided services in the testing barn and paddock operations on race days.
She also served as a regulatory veterinarian from 1974 to 1989, and was the deputy director of veterinary services in Jamaica. In addition, Dr McDonnough Lyon was the first woman to own and operate a veterinary clinic locally.
“I am pleased to be recognised and honoured today (April 30) with a race run in my honour. My father Dr L T McDonnough was a veterinarian and he was here from the onset. You asked how I got involved in the profession, well based on the influence of my father.
“I probably started my preparation at Knox College, then I went to St Andrew High and overseas for a short while before attending the University of Glasgow and on completion, I came back and worked with the government as a veterinary officer,” she said.
Dr McDonnough Lyon continued: “I then left in the position of an acting deputy director. But I also had a private practice and ran the clinic and another venture in association with Dr Franz Alexander.
While I was at the clinic, I often came to the racetrack. Then it was different from what it is at present and I left in the 1980s. I am so glad that I came and saw the improvement with more to come on stream shortly and that is good news. To have this focus on vets on World Veterinary Day is laudable as it gives the public an eye into the wholesomeness of the veterinary profession and the profession has been highlighted today in no uncertain manner with a race in its honour. Well done to all concerned.”
Though retired from veterinary practice, Dr McDonnough Lyon remains highly respected in the veterinary community and was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), by the Government of Jamaica in 2021, in recognition of her contribution as a veterinarian.
