Barbados is set to establish a significant life sciences hub, known as EarlyHealth City Barbados, with an investment of $200 million. This initiative, a collaboration between Export Barbados and the Dubai-based EarlyHealth Group (EHG), aims to create a world-class pharmaceutical and life sciences cluster. The project is expected to attract international pharmaceutical partners and enhance laboratory and clinical research capabilities across the Caribbean.
Infrastructure and Manufacturing Capabilities
The new facility will span 45 acres and include three domes, providing over 250,000 square feet of contract manufacturing space. This manufacturing capacity will focus on the production of oral solids, semi-solids, liquids, and advanced biologics. In line with international standards, EarlyHealth City will operate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations set by both the United States and the European Union.
EHG has already secured several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with notable clients, including Acarpia Farmaceutici Srl, Bioeq AG, Formycon AG, and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI). These agreements highlight the hub’s potential to establish Barbados as a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described the project as a “transformative” opportunity for Barbados. She emphasized that EarlyHealth City will foster job creation and develop local scientific and technical talent, marking it as a vital component of the island’s economic future.
Beyond traditional manufacturing, the hub will incorporate advanced technologies. A fourth dome will host a Security Operations Centre (SOC), designed by Cyb3r Limited. This center will employ AI-driven cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets and manage regulatory data, ensuring secure operations for the life sciences cluster.
In addition, a 30,000 square foot high-performance cricket training facility will be established within the same dome. Operated by global sports company DriveFITT, this facility will utilize biomechanics and recovery technology to enhance athletic performance, particularly for aspiring West Indies fast bowlers.
Dr. Dan A. Renout, CEO of EarlyHealth Group, stated that the City represents “more than a manufacturing site. It is a platform for transformation.” He highlighted the initiative’s potential to strengthen supply resilience, create skilled employment opportunities, and connect the Caribbean with the global pharmaceutical market.
Once operational, EarlyHealth City Barbados is anticipated to accommodate over 1,000 professionals and include wellness amenities, restaurants, and collaborative workspaces. This development positions the hub as the premier life sciences destination in the Caribbean, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation in the region.
