Ross University beneficial to local economy
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Dr. David J. DeYoung, Dean of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine |
Basseterre, ST. KITTS-THOUGH EC $35M was spent in local labor recently to construct the 124 room dormitory complex at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), Dr. David DeYoung, Dean of RUSVM, says that the contribution of Ross to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis is far more substantial.
“A recent economic impact study conducted by an independent consultant out of Dominica has determined that overall the School of Veterinary Medicine, its students and faculty were responsible for spending approximately EC $58M in a one year period, an amount equal to 4.5% of the national gross domestic product,” said DeYoung.
Unlike tourism, the spending generated by the Ross facilities, students, and employees is widely dispersed through the economy in areas such as school maintenance, living accommodations, food, restaurants, transportation and utilities.
A large portion of the money spent by RUSVM students funnels into the Federation’s economy through the housing sector. “EC $16M is spent annually by students and faculty on accommodations,” said DeYoung.
“Indeed there is a feeling among a number of landlords that ‘Ross University has paid the mortgage for many a family and contributed substantially to home and property ownership in St. Kitts.’”
Referring to the 190 locals employed to date, DeYoung emphasized that RUSVM has had a vested interest in the lives of individual
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Ross dormitory building
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Kittitians and Nevisians since its inception in 1982.
Beyond a paycheck, Ross employees are “provided with health, dental and vision insurance and a pension plan,” said DeYoung. Perhaps the most substantial benefit, however, is that “any staff or member of their immediate family can attend DeVry University either online or at a U.S. or Canadian campus for free.”
The Dean added that as RUSVM continues to grow more, locals will continue to be tapped for temporary and permanent positions.
In addition to the economic impact, DeYoung said he hoped Kittitians and Nevisians would continue to understand how the university helps to improve the quality of life in the Federation.
“Our research program aides the health of the public by regulating the health of the animal and aquamarine populations around the Federation,” he said, specifically citing the recent cooperation between the university and the government regarding the dead fish in Federation’s waters.
~~Adz:Left~~ Ultimately, DeYoung hopes that the future relationship between RUSVM and the Federation will increase its breadth and depth as the school continues to expand.
With four new facilities planned for construction, American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation, and an expanded research program on the horizon for RUSVM, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis stand to benefit in many ways through increased interaction with the school.
