UPDATE: Barbados has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish a state-of-the-art life sciences hub, EarlyHealth City Barbados, with a monumental investment of $200 million. The deal, signed on November 14, 2025, between Export Barbados (BIDC) and EarlyHealth Group (EHG), aims to position the island as a premier destination for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.
This ambitious project will take root in Newton, Christ Church, sprawling across 45 acres and featuring three domes that will accommodate over 250,000 square feet of contract manufacturing space. The facility is designed to produce a range of pharmaceutical products, including oral solids, semi-solids, liquids, and advanced biologics, adhering to stringent Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards from both the United States and the European Union.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley emphasized the transformative potential of this project, stating, “Beyond infrastructure, EarlyHealth City Barbados will drive job creation and build local scientific and technical talent.” The initiative is expected to create a thriving ecosystem that will connect Barbados and the wider Caribbean to the global pharmaceutical market, fostering economic growth and resilience.
Dr. Dan A. Renout, CEO of EHG, highlighted the project’s significance, declaring, “EarlyHealth City Barbados is more than a manufacturing site. It is a platform for transformation.” The hub aims to generate skilled employment and strengthen supply chain resilience while nurturing local talent.
Included in the development is a fourth dome that will house a Security Operations Centre (SOC), managed by Dubai’s leading cybersecurity firm, Cyb3r Limited. This facility will utilize AI-driven technology to secure digital assets and manage regulatory data, ensuring robust protection for the life sciences cluster.
Moreover, a 30,000 square foot high-performance cricket training facility will be integrated into the hub, operated by global sports company DriveFITT. This facility aims to enhance athletic performance using cutting-edge biomechanics and recovery technology, nurturing future generations of West Indies fast bowlers.
The project has already attracted interest from several international pharmaceutical partners, with EHG securing Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with notable clients, including Acarpia Farmaceutici Srl and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI). This positions Barbados as a key player in the global life sciences sector.
Senior Minister Kerrie Symmonds hailed this initiative as a prime example of effective commercial diplomacy, recognizing the efforts of the Embassy of Barbados in the UAE and Ambassador Dr. Annalee C. Babb in facilitating this key partnership.
As the project unfolds, all eyes will be on Barbados to witness how EarlyHealth City transforms the island’s economic landscape. The community is expected to host over 1,000 professionals, complete with wellness amenities, restaurants, and collaborative workspaces, signaling a new era for the Caribbean’s life sciences industry.
Barbados is taking decisive steps to position itself as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, a move that could redefine its economic future. The urgency of this initiative is palpable, and with the groundwork laid, the Caribbean is poised for a significant leap forward in the global life sciences arena.
Stay tuned for further updates as this monumental project progresses.
