The medical community of Antigua and Barbuda is united in grief this week following the announcement of the passing of Sir Dr. Cuthwin Lennard Lake, C.B.E., F.R.C.S. A decorated surgeon and transformative institutional leader, Lake leaves behind a decades-long legacy that reshaped the nation’s healthcare system from the ground up. In an official statement released by the Executive Team of the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda Inc. (MAAB), the organization extended its heartfelt condolences to Lake’s family, friends, and professional colleagues across the Caribbean and beyond. Far more than a skilled practicing clinician, Lake is remembered by the association as a true pioneer whose work laid the foundation for the modern, high-standard medical practice that exists in Antigua and Barbuda today. His contributions to the sector spanned three core areas that continued to benefit patients and practitioners long after his active career. Beyond the operating room, where he earned a reputation for exceptional precision and patient care, Lake served as a master architect of the institutional frameworks that current generations of medical providers rely on for organized, effective care delivery. In the 1990s, Lake took on the critical role of Medical Superintendent at Holberton Hospital, the island nation’s main public healthcare facility. During his tenure, he steered the hospital through a period of sweeping, transformative change that updated its operations, expanded its capacity to serve the growing population, and brought its care standards in line with leading international benchmarks. Later, as Chief of Surgery at the facility, Lake upheld exceptionally rigorous standards of clinical practice while dedicating much of his personal time to mentoring young physicians from across the Caribbean. That mentorship cultivated a generation of skilled clinicians who continue to carry forward his commitment to excellence in care. “He was someone who didn’t just practice medicine but built the systems and institutions that allow others to practice it today,” the MAAB statement noted, capturing the full scope of Lake’s impact that extends far beyond his individual clinical work. Across Antigua and Barbuda’s medical community, the association says, the loss of Lake is being felt acutely by all providers who have benefited from his work and strive to uphold the high standards of care he worked tirelessly to embed in the nation’s health system. His legacy, the MAAB confirms, will endure through the institutions he built, the providers he mentored, and the generations of patients who will continue to access high-quality care as a direct result of his vision and leadership.
分类： health
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New KHMH CEO Takes on Staffing Uncertainty
When Sharine Reyes stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Belize’s largest public healthcare facility, she did not inherit a typical leadership post. Instead, the new CEO immediately faced a web of interconnected staffing challenges that threaten to destabilize care delivery across the entire institution – issues rooted in both national policy shifts and regional economic trends.
The most pressing question hanging over KHMH’s workforce right now is the future of Cuban medical professionals currently serving in Belize’s public health system. For years, Cuban doctors and nurses have filled critical gaps in Belize’s understaffed healthcare network, but uncertainty around the continuation of this bilateral arrangement has left hospital leadership scrambling to plan for potential sudden vacancies. Compounding this insecurity is a steady brain drain of locally trained nursing staff, who are regularly lured away by higher salaries and better career opportunities offered by larger regional economies and Belize’s own fast-growing private healthcare sector.
These dual pressures have put KHMH’s long-term staffing stability in serious question, a concern that does not stay confined within the hospital’s walls. As Reyes emphasized in a recent interview, this is a national issue that impacts every community in Belize. “That is very concerning and it should be concerning to all of us as a nation since this affects us nationally,” she noted.
Despite the magnitude of the challenges, Reyes remains optimistic that the Belizean government will deliver targeted solutions to stabilize the hospital’s workforce. She confirmed that following advocacy from KHMH leadership, the institution has now been added to a national nursing retention strategy designed to keep skilled local healthcare workers in the country. Initially, KHMH was excluded from the national plan, but after hospital leadership raised formal concerns and opened discussions with government officials, the decision was reversed. Officials have already requested staffing data and financial projections from KHMH to assess what level of state support the hospital needs to implement its own retention measures.
Reyes made clear that she has confidence in the government’s ability to turn the plan into action. “But we have hopes in the government. They, I know they have a plan in place to address those challenges, so we’re hoping that whatever plan they have in place, that materialize,” she said. In response to questions from journalist Shane Williams about how the plan will specifically address nurse retention at KHMH, Reyes confirmed that government representatives have already signaled their commitment to supporting the hospital through this process.
Looking ahead over the coming weeks, Reyes says that beyond tackling the immediate staffing crisis, one of her top priorities is to shine a spotlight on the innovative, trailblazing programs already advancing care at KHMH. While the staffing challenges remain significant, the new CEO is framing her tenure as an opportunity to both resolve systemic gaps and showcase the hospital’s ongoing contributions to public health in Belize.
This report is adapted from a transcribed broadcast of the outlet’s evening news segment.
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KHMH Workers Seek 20% Raise in Pay
Healthcare staff at Belize’s premier public medical facility, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), are pushing for a substantial 20% salary increase as they reopen formal collective bargaining negotiations with hospital management, a move driven by perceived pay inequity compared to other public sector workers across the country.
While employees at other public health institutions across Belize have already secured two consecutive 4% annual salary increases, KHMH workers have been left out of these incremental raises, prompting their union to action as discussions for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) get underway. Beyond the significant pay adjustment, the KHMH Workers’ Union is also advocating for expanded professional allowances and sweeping upgrades to on-the-job working conditions, pointing to the absence of a pension plan for KHMH staff as an additional factor motivating their demands.
Roy Briceño, president of the KHMH Workers’ Union, emphasized that the union’s top priority is resetting productive formal negotiations with hospital leadership. “My executive team and I are fully focused on getting back to the bargaining table and advancing meaningful negotiations for a new CBA,” Briceño stated in an interview ahead of the first official talks.
Briceño explained that the 20% raise demand comes in direct response to the government’s recent pay adjustments for other public employees. “We are asking for a 20% raise for all our staff here at KHMH. We don’t even have a pension plan, and the government has already given two rounds of 4% raises to other government workers – one last year and another this year,” he said.
Notably, early discussions with KHMH’s newly appointed chief executive officer have already laid a positive groundwork for upcoming negotiations. Briceño reported that the initial meeting held with the new CEO was cordial and productive, with both sides addressing longstanding staff concerns and the CEO agreeing to move forward with formal scheduled bargaining sessions.
One critical issue both parties have already committed to addressing is the current low state of staff morale across the hospital, a problem that Briceño says directly impacts the quality of patient care the facility can deliver. “Morale is quite low right now at KHMH. That is something both the union and management are committed to working on together to fix,” Briceño added.
The ongoing talks come as Belize’s public healthcare system continues to grapple with staff retention challenges, making the outcome of this negotiation a closely watched issue for healthcare workers across the nation.
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Blackman wants vendors to sell healthier snacks
Barbados’ government is ramping up efforts to broaden adoption of its national School Nutrition Policy, and is turning to on-campus food vendors to act as core partners in cultivating healthier daily habits for the nation’s children. Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman laid out this call to action Saturday during an orientation session for vendors held at Springer Memorial School, framing the initiative as a critical response to a long-unaddressed public health emergency.
Opening his remarks, Blackman recognized the deep cultural tie that binds Barbadians to their local cuisine, a relationship that prioritizes flavor above all else when food choices are made – especially among younger age groups. “There’s no question that Barbados and most regional Caribbean nations share a profound connection to our food,” he explained. “Our people, and children in particular, gravitate to foods that taste good, but all too often the options that win on flavor do not align with good long-term health.”
The minister was careful to acknowledge the irreplaceable economic and social role that food vendors play across Barbados, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting vendors in sustaining their livelihoods. He noted that small vending businesses support households, anchor local communities, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s overall economy, reassuring attendees that the policy shift does not aim to push them out of school campuses. “Vendors are a foundational part of Barbadian society, so you all aren’t going anywhere,” Blackman stressed. “The conversation is not about removal – it’s about working together to shift toward offering more nutritious options to students.”
Blackman made clear that the push for more nutrient-dense food in school settings stems from a growing public health crisis that can no longer be sidelined: Barbados faces a persistently high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and children are one of the most at-risk groups for developing preventable diet-related conditions later in life. The crisis has been worsened by shifting lifestyle patterns across the country, the minister added, with declining rates of physical activity among young people becoming the norm as digital technology becomes more ubiquitous.
“Technology means most children now stay inside glued to their devices instead of heading outdoors,” he said. “You have to beg them to go run around and play. As our society has advanced, we have seen a widespread shift toward a far more sedentary routine.”
Against this backdrop, Blackman called on vendors to strike a careful balance between offering the flavorful snacks students crave and expanding access to healthier alternatives that support children’s long-term physical well-being. The core question, he noted, is how to continue meeting consumer demand for treats while still providing products that support healthy growth and development.
Looking ahead, the minister says Barbados aims to position its vendor-led school nutrition shift as a regional model, with participating vendors acting as champions of public health change that can inspire similar movements across the Caribbean. “We must use this effort as a model, with our vendors leading the charge for change,” Blackman said. “That’s how we can drive this critical public health movement across the entire region.”
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This Is What GOB Is Doing to Keep Nurses in Belize
Against the backdrop of a worsening global nursing shortage that has pushed thousands of healthcare workers to migrate abroad in search of higher compensation, the Government of Belize (GOB) has rolled out a targeted retention package designed to keep local nursing talent in the country. This policy initiative marks a proactive step to protect the nation’s domestic healthcare system from the broader staffing crisis impacting healthcare sectors worldwide. The first phase of the retention program was rolled out during the 2025/2026 national budget cycle, and it is structured first and foremost to recognize the longstanding commitment of nurses who have continued to serve communities across Belize. Chief Nursing Officer Lizett Bell explained that the package introduces a suite of new and expanded financial benefits that adjust compensation to match the demanding work nursing professionals carry out. Under the new terms, every practicing nurse in Belize will receive a specialist allowance equal to 10% of their annual base salary. The existing annual uniform allowance has also been lifted from $300 to $500 to help cover the cost of required work attire. Additionally, the government has added three new targeted allowances: a $200 monthly hazard payment for work involving elevated health risks, a dedicated night shift allowance for nurses working after-hours rotations, and a $300 monthly responsibility allowance for nurses required to participate in on-call rotations. Bell emphasized that the on-call allowance fills a longstanding gap in nurse compensation, noting that for years, nursing professionals have been required to be available for emergency shifts outside standard working hours with no extra pay, and the new benefit offers meaningful recognition for this constant availability. Initially, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) — the country’s leading public medical facility — was not included in the first phase of the retention package. However, after hospital leadership raised concerns and held discussions with the Ministry of Health, officials agreed to add KHMH to the program. KHMH CEO Sharine Reyes told local outlet News Five that the hospital is currently compiling staffing data and total cost projections for the allowances to support the ministry in finalizing the rollout of benefits for its nursing workforce. Belize’s policy intervention comes as many small and middle-income nations grapple with the outflow of skilled healthcare workers to higher-income countries that offer far higher wages and better working conditions. By addressing the core financial push factors that drive nurse migration, GOB aims to stabilize staffing levels across local healthcare facilities and ensure continued access to care for Belizean residents.
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Rotary Club of Grenada expands annual free community health fair
The Rotary Club of Grenada has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature Free Community Health Fair, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Gouyave Health Centre. This expanding community initiative builds on the overwhelming success of 2025’s event, upholding the organization’s long-standing mission to expand access to no-cost, high-quality preventive healthcare services for all Grenadians.
Rooted in Rotary’s core commitment to advancing public well-being, the 2026 health fair will offer attendees a comprehensive menu of free medical and diagnostic services that cover a wide range of critical health needs. The full lineup of services includes general medical consultations, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, ECG heart testing, sexually transmitted disease and sickle cell screening, cancer screening and pap smears, as well as full dental examinations.
Unlike many routine healthcare access points that create barriers for underserved community members, this event removes cost barriers entirely, and is open to people of every age and background. Event organizers are encouraging attendees to bring family members and friends along to take advantage of the free services, with an overarching goal of reaching more households than last year’s popular gathering.
A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Grenada shared that the organization was inspired to expand the initiative following last year’s strong turnout and transformative positive impact on local residents. “Following the strong turnout and positive impact of last year’s health fair, we are excited to continue growing this initiative and expanding our reach within the community. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible and to empower individuals to take charge of their health,” the representative said.
The fair’s core public health message is simple: proactive early detection saves lives, and prioritizing preventive care is the foundation of long-term health. For additional updates and details about the 2026 event, community members can follow the Rotary Club of Grenada’s official social media channels. This announcement is contributed by the Rotary Club of Grenada; NOW Grenada does not take responsibility for contributor-provided content, statements, or opinions, and community members can follow official reporting channels to flag any abusive content.
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The art of precision
For nearly four decades, one phlebotomist has redefined what it means to work in diagnostic medicine, turning a universally anxiety-inducing medical procedure into an experience rooted in compassion and exacting care. Carline Baghaloo’s 36-year career at Jamaica’s Caledonia Medical Laboratory (Biomedical) stands as a powerful reminder that even in an increasingly technical healthcare landscape, the human touch remains the most essential tool in patient care.
When Baghaloo introduces her profession to new acquaintances, the reaction is almost always the same: a confused pause at the word “phlebotomy”, followed by her good-natured clarification that she is the person who draws blood. But for her, the role extends far beyond the simple mechanical act of collecting samples. What many see as a routine procedure is, in her view, a high-stakes skill that demands equal parts technical mastery and emotional awareness.
Baghaloo’s journey into phlebotomy began unexpectedly in 1987. It was a passing comment from a patient, who noted her naturally warm and approachable demeanor and suggested she would thrive in phlebotomy, that set her on this path. Looking back on her decades-long career, she says the profession chose her, not the other way around. “I think this profession chose me,” she said. “I was made for it.”
Mastering the delicate balance between rigorous medical science and heartfelt patient care is what has made Baghaloo’s approach so successful. For patients arriving at the lab, the fear of needle sticks is almost universal, so Baghaloo has developed a thoughtful strategy to ease that tension. It combines intentional trust-building, steady technical skill, casual storytelling to distract nervous patients, and even the occasional quick song to lighten the mood.
“When they enter the lab, they’re greeted with a warm smile, and that helps address any anxiety they may have,” she explained. “We usually try to explain the procedure in a clear and reassuring manner, informing them of what to expect, and assuring that we’re available and equipped to handle any concerns that come up.”
This signature blend of precision and empathy does more than make individual patients more comfortable — Baghaloo says it improves outcomes for the entire healthcare system. To sustain this level of care, she also emphasizes the importance of personal well-being, encouraging colleagues to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. “When I’m at work, I give my all, but I also take the time to care for my own personal needs,” she noted. Only by prioritizing one’s own health can you show up fully for patients day after day, she argues.
Over her 36 years in the field, Baghaloo has watched phlebotomy and diagnostic medicine transform dramatically. When she first started at Biomedical, women working in diagnostic roles were rare, and formal training courses for phlebotomy were almost impossible to find. Today, the field is heavily dominated by women — a shift she calls a point of immense personal pride. She describes her female colleagues in one word: “Phenomenal.”
“We are like proud soldiers standing at the front of the battlefield,” she said, highlighting the relentless dedication required to show up with 100% effort for every patient, every single day.
As she looks toward the next chapter of her career, Baghaloo’s greatest goal is to leave a actionable legacy for the next generation of medical professionals, rooted in four core values she has lived by throughout her career. First is kindness: a mandate to treat patients and fellow staff with consistent grace. Second is precision: a commitment to getting the procedure right the first time, to spare patients unnecessary discomfort. Third is honesty: starting with radical honesty with yourself about your skills and growth. Fourth is empowerment: encouraging new professionals to step into their confidence and recognize their own strength.
When asked what she counts as her greatest career achievement, Baghaloo points to her own personal and professional growth over 36 years. “Thirty-six years ago, I was just ‘carline baghaloo’ — all lower case,” she reflected. “Now I am CARLINE BAGHALOO — all caps. My name is known across Jamaica.”
Her growth was guided early on by mentor Elizabeth Mowatt, a former medical technologist at Biomedical who shared a simple, enduring piece of advice that Baghaloo still passes on to the new staff she mentors today: “If you have nothing to do, don’t waste time…never stop learning; it will mould you for a brighter future.”
Today, Baghaloo is celebrated not just for the thousands of successful blood draws she has completed over her career, but for the consistent kindness and indomitable spirit she brings to the frontlines of Jamaican healthcare every single day.
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Ministry of Health Hosts Antimicrobial Stewardship Workshop to Strengthen Responsible Medicine Use
Against a backdrop of rising global concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical two-day training workshop focused on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) kicked off on April 16, 2026, at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). Hosted by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, the Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the initiative brought together a diverse cross-section of health-focused stakeholders to confront one of the most pressing silent threats to modern public health.
Unlike traditional single-sector training events, this workshop intentionally gathered professionals spanning multiple fields tied to AMR spread: practicing clinicians, registered pharmacists, bedside nurses, clinical laboratory technicians, veterinary practitioners, and public health policy officials. This inclusive structure was designed to advance the cross-cutting One Health framework that experts increasingly identify as essential to addressing AMR, which spreads across human, animal, and environmental systems.
All workshop sessions were led by Abraham S.T. Weekes, a Senior Technical Specialist with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Pharmaceutical Pooled Procurement Service (OECS-PPS). With more than 20 years of hands-on experience spanning regional hospital pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical system strengthening, and antimicrobial stewardship programming, Weekes brought context-specific expertise tailored to the unique needs of small island developing states in the Eastern Caribbean.
In her opening address to participants, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige emphasized the immediate urgency of coordinated action on AMR. She noted that antimicrobial resistance does not only impact individual patient outcomes—it fundamentally reshapes how healthcare is delivered, strains already limited health system resources, and undermines the long-term sustainability of public health infrastructure across the region. Gregg-Paige framed AMR as a core component of national and regional health security, noting that its impacts extend far beyond individual care to threaten broader community resilience.
The Permanent Secretary called the workshop both timely and indispensable, highlighting that cross-professional collaboration is the only effective path to meaningful progress on AMR. She explained that the convening created a rare space for local stakeholders to reflect on current gaps in antimicrobial use, discuss shared challenges, and co-develop practical, context-appropriate action plans to strengthen stewardship across Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system.
Gregg-Paige further reiterated the critical importance of adopting a One Health approach, which recognizes the inherent interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. She also pointed to the urgent need for expanded and strengthened AMR surveillance systems—tools that are essential to tracking antimicrobial use patterns, detecting emerging resistance strains early, and supporting evidence-based policy and clinical decision-making.
Rather than relying solely on theoretical lectures, the workshop centered on practical, case-based learning that addressed AMR challenges in both acute clinical care and community health settings. Core session topics included an overview of the current AMR threat landscape in the Caribbean, the core governance roles and functions of local antimicrobial stewardship committees, and actionable strategies to embed rational antimicrobial use into routine healthcare practice.
Participants collaborated in working groups to develop locally adapted solutions to AMR, strengthen national governance and surveillance frameworks, and build more durable cross-stakeholder collaboration pathways. A dedicated continuing education session was also held to update clinicians and pharmacists on the latest evidence-based best practices for antibiotic prescribing and stewardship.
Gregg-Paige urged participants to engage fully in the workshop’s activities and keep a focus on measurable, actionable outcomes after the event concludes. “The true value of this engagement will be determined by what follows… in the decisions made, the consistency of approach, and the outcomes achieved,” she told attendees.
Globally, AMR is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 public health threats facing humanity, and the Eastern Caribbean region is no exception to this risk. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed that expanding and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship across all care settings is an essential strategy to preserve the effectiveness of existing life-saving medications, guarantee positive treatment outcomes for patients, and protect overall community health safety.
In closing, the Ministry extended its sincere gratitude to the OECS-PPS for its technical support and leadership, as well as to all participating stakeholders for their commitment to advancing this critical public health initiative.
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Carl Christopher, Casilda Verela Donate Infant Care Items to Hospital’s Paediatrics Unit
Officials at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre have announced that the facility’s Paediatrics Unit has received a substantial donation of essential baby and child care items from local donors Carl Christopher and Casilda Verela. Hospital leadership has characterized the contribution as a timely and meaningful boost to the quality of care the unit can provide to its young patients.
Details of the donation were first shared via an official social media post from the medical centre, which outlined that all contributed supplies are specifically earmarked to support the treatment and daily care of infants and young children receiving treatment at the facility. In an official statement confirming the gift, the hospital reiterated their appreciation for the pair’s generosity.
“Our Paediatrics Unit has received a generous donation of baby and child care essentials from Carl Christopher and Casilda Verela,” the hospital’s statement confirmed. Leadership went on to emphasize the critical role that donations like this play in keeping the unit’s daily operations running smoothly, noting that the items will fill key gaps in the unit’s current resource inventory.
“Thank you so much for seeing the need and stepping in and supporting our hospital. Your gift will definitely assist with our care. We look forward to having your support in the future,” the statement added. This donation arrives at a time when public healthcare facilities across many regions increasingly depend on community partnership to stretch public funding further and upgrade patient services. Specialized care areas, including paediatrics, often face unique resource constraints that make community contributions particularly impactful for improving care outcomes for vulnerable young patients.
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Artificial Intelligence one-minute analysis of X-Rays, other medical images now available
In a landmark development for Guyana’s public and private healthcare sectors, President Irfaan Ali announced two major upgrades to the country’s medical infrastructure during the official opening ceremony of the Optique Eye Hospital on 17 April 2026.
First, the South American nation has rolled out an artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic tool capable of analyzing X-rays, CT scans and MRIs in just one minute, cutting down the long wait times that previously delayed care for thousands of patients. President Ali explained that the new AI system represents a critical investment in healthcare infrastructure that will transform clinical outcomes across the country. “Before, patients and providers would wait hours for scan results to be interpreted by specialists. Now, we can get a full, detailed analysis in just 60 seconds. That translates to faster clinical responses, better treatment outcomes and more impactful care for all patients,” the president stated.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony confirmed to local outlet Demerara Waves Online News that the AI medical imaging platform is already operational at two public facilities: Enmore Hospital on East Coast Demerara and De Kinderen Hospital on West Coast Demerara. The government has formal plans to extend the technology to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and all other public coastal hospitals in the coming months. “Any facility with X-ray or CT scanning capabilities will receive this system, and we will integrate it for MRI analysis as we expand MRI access across the public health sector,” Dr Anthony added.
The announcement coincided with the launch of Optique Eye Hospital, the first privately owned specialized eye care facility in Guyana, located on New Market Street in Georgetown. Built at a total cost of GY$1 billion, the project saw its capital expenditure significantly reduced through investment incentives offered by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), part of the government’s push to attract private healthcare investment. Dhani A. Narine, CEO of Optique, credited public-private collaboration and financing support from Republic Bank for making the facility a reality, noting that “through alignment with the government’s development goals, we were able to deliver this complex project at a far more accessible cost.”
The new hospital is dedicated to Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, one of Guyana’s most respected ophthalmologists whose decades of work have advanced eye care access across the country. Beyond serving local patients, the facility has launched a regional referral program aimed at building partnerships with Caribbean nations and the global Guyanese diaspora, to attract patients from across the Americas.
Optique Eye Hospital offers a full suite of advanced ophthalmic surgical procedures, including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, orbit and oculoplastic surgery, corneal and pterygium surgery, and vitreoretinal surgery. All services are delivered in a modern, purpose-built facility with cutting-edge equipment and advanced operating theaters. The institution has committed to ongoing staff training, regular technology upgrades, rigorous quality monitoring, and community outreach initiatives including free eye screening campaigns to boost early detection of eye disease. Narine emphasized that the facility eliminates the need for Guyanese patients to travel abroad for life-saving sight care: “This project proves that with a supportive investment climate, strong partnerships and shared commitment, we can deliver highly complex subspecialty care locally at international standards. Our goal is to ensure no patient has to leave the country for safe, effective sight-saving treatment.”
President Ali framed the dual launches as a foundational step toward positioning Guyana as a leading destination for medical tourism in the Caribbean. “Guyana is already known for its natural beauty, vast energy potential and rapid economic growth. Now, we want to build a reputation for world-class, affordable healthcare. We want patients from across the Caribbean, the diaspora, North America and beyond to choose Guyana for high-quality modern medical care,” the president said. The facility’s leadership added that the hospital marks a major step forward in expanding equitable access to advanced eye care, improving quality of life for patients across the country living with a wide range of eye health conditions.