The Government, through Export Barbados, plans to establish a life sciences park to further market the island as the ideal destination for global scientists and practitioners.
Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Davidson Ishmael, made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the third annual Science and Technology Festival at the University of West Indies (UWI) on Friday.
The park will span over 23 acres located in the Newton Industrial Estate, Christ Church. The aim is for the initiative to attract leading biotechnology companies and high-potential start-ups focused on life sciences products and services.
Students lining up to see the robotics at the Science and Technology Festival. (Picture by Tonia Atwell)
It will be built after consulting firm Deloitte completes its study which consists of several recommendations to successfully develop the sector.
The minister also alluded to a new policy to promote science, technology and innovation.
“During the financial year 2023 to 2024, MIST through funding from the OAS [Organisation of American States], will engage the services of a consultant to develop a science, technology, and innovation policy for Barbados, as well as a framework for the measurement of local research and development and innovation,” Ishmael said. (RT)