Veterinarian Dr. Steve Bennett was honoured by the Faculty of Medical Sciences for his lifelong contribution to Veterinary Medicine and Research on Wednesday, February 20, 2008.

Dr. Bennett is best known for his research work on bison which led to the creation of the Buffalypso as a hardy, tropical animal which produces high quality meat and a rich variety of milk. A new building constructed on the Mount Hope Medical Sciences compound was named in Dr. Bennett's honour.

Dr. Wade Seukeran, who was a student of Dr. Bennett in the first class of Veterinary students at Mount Hope, gave a very moving account of Dr. Bennett's life and achievements and while highlighting his tremendous contribution revealed a man who got into research because of his concern for the welfare of animals and who, all his life, has been guided by high standards, a strong work ethic and a generous spirit.

In his response to the honour bestowed on him by the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr. Bennett talked about his early life as a jockey (he rode a horse at the age of three and was a jockey in an official race at the age of ten), his love for animals, and his obsession with agriculture and animal husbandry. He paid glowing tribute to his parents and to his wife now deceased and told many stories and jokes which had the audience in stitches.

Playing major roles in the function were Director of the Veterinary School, Prof Abiodun Adesiyun; Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professor Samuel Ramsewak; and newly appointed Campus Principal Professor Clement Sankat.

Dr. Bennett described himself as a Trini to the bone and pointed out that three generations of his family had been born in Princes Town.

The plaque commemorating the naming of the Veterinary Building in his honour described Dr. Steve Bennett as an “icon.”