Senior health officials from Barbados joined Caribbean counterparts in London for the inaugural UK-Caribbean Life Sciences and Regulatory Trade Mission, hosted by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The mission comes at a time when Caribbean nations are accelerating efforts to modernise healthcare systems and improve access to safe medicines. The UK is contributing to these efforts by supporting the strengthening of regulatory frameworks, creating opportunities for British firms to further deliver cutting-edge health technologies and advanced pharmaceuticals.
The four-day mission brought together Caribbean regulators and leading UK institutions to exchange expertise on pharmaceutical regulation, healthcare innovation, and policy development. It aims to accelerate the Caribbean’s modernisation of its pharmaceutical sector by leveraging the UK’s globally recognised innovation and regulatory frameworks.
Delegates engaged with world-class organisations, including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), King’s College London, and the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Science (CIRS). Key discussions focused on streamlining drug registration, adopting international standards, improving regulatory efficiency, and integrating digital technologies into health systems.
UK High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, emphasised the broader impact of this collaboration: “This mission shows how UK-Caribbean collaboration strengthens health systems and drives economic growth. These frameworks are not just about healthcare – they underpin resilience and long-term partnerships that benefit everyone. At a time when health and innovation are critical, the UK is proud to share expertise and unlock opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for patients and communities.”
D’Jamila Ward, Regional Trade Director for the Commonwealth Caribbean at DBT, highlighted the significance of this milestone.
“The first UK-Caribbean Life Sciences and Regulatory Trade Mission marks a major step forward in strengthening the systems that support public health and innovation. Together, we are tackling regulatory challenges that have slowed access to essential medicines across the Caribbean. By combining British expertise in healthcare and life sciences with the commitment of Caribbean regulators, we can create more efficient frameworks that protect patients, attract investment, and improve access to safe, affordable healthcare,” he said.
Barbados was represented by Lindsay Bynoe, assistant director and pharmacist at the Barbados Drug Service, and Maryam Karga-Hinds, interim director general of the Barbados Medical Products Authority. Their participation underscores Barbados’ commitment to advancing pharmaceutical regulation and regional collaboration.
Reflecting on the mission, Karga-Hinds stated: “We return to Barbados with strengthened knowledge, deeper partnerships, and a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to safe, effective medical products for every Caribbean citizen.”
This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to partnering with Caribbean nations to strengthen health systems, foster innovation, and improve patient outcomes as we explore future collaborations on regulatory reform, investment opportunities, and digital health integration – building a resilient healthcare ecosystem across the region.
Delegates from the Caribbean, DBT, and King’s College London collaborate during the inaugural UK-Caribbean Life Sciences and Regulatory Mission in London. (PR)
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