BAHA’s Farewell to Dr. Michael Deshield
Michael DeShield
Retirement from public service does not normally qualify an individual to be featured on the news. But in our records, Doctor Michael DeShield has been a staple in our newscast dating back as far as 1998. He has a long and impressive CV that looks like this. Since 98 to last year he was the Senior Veterinarian of the Animal Medical Centre which he also owns. DeShield served as Veterinary Investigation Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from March 1996 to April 2000. And for the past eleven years and eight months, he has worked as the Technical Director Food Safety Services at Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Today was Deshield’s last day on the job. He has been very ill in the past few years with cancer and though his condition is grave, but you wouldn’t know from the presentation he gave to the BAHA staff. His most potent message was for his colleagues to look after their health.
Dr. Miguel Figureoa, BAHA
“Dr. Deshield graduated with a degree in maternal medicine from the University of Queensland, Australia and completed a masters degree in tropical maternal medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His thesis was on maternal drug residue in poultry.”
Michael DeShield, Retiring from BAHA
Miguel Figureoa
“I look around, very emotional; I look and see a lot of committed staff, committed to Belize, what we do that they neglect themselves. And we really have to factor our health; this is something I challenge you to do. We have good coverage, insurance. I’m the testimony to that or I wouldn’t be here. So I want you to make sure you look after your health. I see people really put their all into it and they can’t sustain that. We have lost from the BAHA family a very good person like Ms. Delilah said a fine mentor, a person you can easily approach and know that you are going to address whatever concerns we have. Thank you doc for the opportunity you have given us to be around you we feel so privileged to have had you around.”
At the end of the ceremony DeShield formally handed over his badge.
I wish Dr. Deshield the best. He is one of the pioneers of Vet. Med. in Belize. I thank him for the opportunity he gave me to work with him. The trust he deposited in me was inmense and I would tell him that I will never let him down.
He is and always will be missed in Placencia and by the animals, and his friends, and the animals owners. he did so much for us down here, he was the one..
Michael, Placencia loves you and Miriam alot.
Mike you are a great guy, remember it is never too late.
This is a great loss to the country indeed. I admire this man because he chose to live his entire professional life in Belize and not in the US or UK. his contributions to veterinary services in this country are incalculable. Kudos to him and his lovely family.
On a separate but related note, why are there so many cancer cases in the City recently, it is mind bogling, The Ministry of Health needs to do some serious investigating, are we being exposed to some unknown carcinogen. But please don’t tell us it is the work of evil spirits like the Camalote incident. The people of the city deserve to know.
GOD BLESS YOU SIR, YOU DESERVE A MEDAL FOR YOUR GOOD WORK YOU HAVE DONE FOR BELIZE.
Meeting Dr. Deshield was an honour. Very pleasant person. I’m sure that his works throughout
Belize will always be remembered. God bless.
Mike… you are one of the best professional I have had the honor to work with! Take care amigo
May you rest in Peace Mr.DeShield,i wont forget you…..crys.