Health

Biopharma White Book A Significant Milestone For Barbados

Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, has described the handover of Barbados’ own Biopharma White Book by BioPharma-Excellence as a significant achievement.

The “White Book”, as it is commonly called, was yesterday presented to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, in the presence of several health officials, including members of the Barbados Drug Service, and representatives of Biopharma-Excellence.

Mr. Walcott, who noted that the White Book was the convergence of a series of strategic activities started more than a year ago, remarked: “Today is a very special day for Barbados and its Pan-African and Caribbean partnership in the area of health development. It is a key milestone in our biopharma project, the genesis of which was about two years ago, at a time when I had responsibility for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

“At that time, our Prime Minister, along with the President of the Republic of Rwanda and the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, met to discuss how the Caribbean and Africa could ensure that the vaccine apartheid, which our respective regions experienced during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, would not happen again for us.”

While noting that the country’s foray into this field was not an accident, the Health Minister acknowledged it was the result of the vision which Prime Minister Mottley has for Barbados to become a global leader and hub for value-added goods and services.

Mr. Walcott emphasised that Government felt it would be in the public’s interest to put measures in place proactively to provide for the wellbeing of citizens in the event of future pandemics, while at the same time stimulating economic activity and creating employment opportunities.

Further tracing the history of the Biopharma White Book, the Health Minister revealed that from early discussions, it was recognised that if Barbados and Guyana were to get involved in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, to meet the needs of the populations of the two regions, they would have to be compliant with the requirements of the international organisations that have responsibility for overseeing the food and drug regulatory authorities across the globe.

“This White Book presents for each country, a gap analysis of what must be done, to create the enabling environment for regulation, in the pharmaceutical industry. Our White Book delineates Barbados’ strategic pathway toward the establishment of a robust regulatory agency for pharmaceutical products. This body of work is critical in our pursuit of pharmaceutical self-reliance and enhancing public health standards within our nation,” he explained.

It was noted that on November 8, 2022, Prime Minister Mottley, along with Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, signed a historic Communique on the development of pharmaceuticals for global public health, and their end-to-end production in the Caribbean and Latin America, supported by a “transatlantic bridge” between Africa and the region.

Health Minister Walcott, in thanking all contributors, acknowledged the island’s White Book was the outcome of extensive research and efforts by Biopharma-Excellence, led by Dr. Michael Pfleiderer, who, along with his team, produced the final document.

Other collaborators, he added, included the Barbados Pharmaceutical Programme and the Barbados Drug Service, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the University of the West Indies, Invest Barbados, Export Barbados and several other critical stakeholders.

He also acknowledged the offer of technical assistance to the Barbados Pharmaceutical Programme made by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and stressed PAHO continues to be a significant partner for Barbados in its delivery of health services. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Health Minister, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott pose with the Biopharma White Book at yesterday’s handover ceremony. Looking on (left to right) are Principal Consultant Biopharma – Excellence, Dr. Michael Pfliederer; Executive Director, kENUP Foundation, Holm Keller; Director General, Food & Director of the Barbados Drug Service, Maryam Hinds; and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. The Most Honourable Kenneth George

Health

Team RUBIS gets set to Walk for the Cure in 2024

RUBIS will Walk for the Cure in 2024, supporting the Company’s silver sponsorship of the annual fundraiser, which is organised by the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme in partnership with CIBC Caribbean.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 6^th, 2024, and Team RUBIS will be out in full force as 103 staff members, their families, and friends join the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The event also generates essential funds for purchasing equipment and other critical resources needed by the Breast Screening Programme.

Mellissa Broomes, Brand Marketing Specialist, underscored RUBIS’ commitment to the cause, stating: “We are proud to support the Walk for the Cure, recognising the significance of this cause and its role in educating the community. This initiative is vital in raising both awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, and we are honoured to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful cause.”

Sonya Alleyne, Treasurer of the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society, welcomed RUBIS’ involvement.

“The Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society is thrilled to welcome Team RUBIS on board as a sponsor for the Walk for the Cure event on Oct 6, 2024. We are mindful that there is a great demand on your marketing spend and are thankful that you chose to invest your dollars in this extremely important area. Your dollars go to ensure that breast cancer screening is done with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic tools. This way, we can detect breast cancer early and commence lifesaving treatment. Early detection is your BEST protection,” Ms. Alleyne stated.

With its contribution, RUBIS continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, supporting critical health initiatives that positively impact the lives of Barbadians. (PR)

CAPTION: L-R – Rudolph Smith (RUBIS Sports Club), Sonya Alleyne (Treasurer, Breast Screening Programme), Elsa Yearwood-Gill (RUBIS Sports Club), and Mellissa Broomes (RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist).

Health

Walk for the Cure Activity Heats up

Activity surrounding the largest walk-for-a-cause in the Eastern Caribbean heats up, as plans are confirmed for the Walk for the Cure which takes place on Sunday 6^th October 2024 starting at 3.30 p.m.

Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating the location of a tent to one of the sponsors while Samantha Suttle Walk Manager for the bank (front) speaks to Daveny Ellis of DL Smith Productions.

Interest is high from corporate sponsors and their staff who are ready to take part in the walk, as well as the numerous vendors who will be on hand for the expected 20,000 people who will be either walking or running for the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society.

*Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating to the sponsors one of the locations for their banners with Walk Manager for CIBC Samantha Suttle behind her.*

Many of the sponsors and vendors were on hand for the site visit on Thursday to see where they would physically set up their tents and banners and also get a final briefing on the route which starts at Warrens again this year. (PR)

Health

PwC in the Caribbean makes donation to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, proudly announced a donation of BDS$30,000 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. The announcement happened at a PwC cocktail reception attended by the PwC network firms operating in the Caribbean’s core leadership team, the local PwC partnership, and key PwC clients and contacts from corporate Barbados.

The NICU at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays a critical role in providing specialised care to newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. It also supports obstetrics and gynaecology with antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum emergencies. This donation will assist with the purchase of much needed equipment that will help to improve overall patient care. These enhancements are vital for ensuring that the most vulnerable of newborns receive the best possible start in life.

When announcing the donation Ross Parker said, “At PwC, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. We want to thank the NICU, its doctors and staff for their tireless work and dedication to treating those in need. They’ve provided critical care to the children of many of our PwC colleagues, families and friends, for which we are so grateful. This donation to the NICU underscores our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve, making a positive impact where it matters the most. We are honoured to contribute to the health and future of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s youngest citizens, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

PwC had the honour of presenting the cheque to Dr. Angela Jennings and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. Dr. Birchwood expressed her gratitude on behalf of the NICU, highlighting that the donation will significantly enhance the vital care provided to newborns.

Caption: From left to right: Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, Dr. Angela Jennings, Head of the Pediatrics Dept, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Dr. Gillian Birchwood, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (PR)