The Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with the European Union (EU) for the construction of a BioPark to be constructed along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) corridor.
The signing took place at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam headquarters.
A science park is a commercial facility designed to promote research and development and innovation in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, bridging the gap between science development and business excellence.
The initiative did not happen out of the blue, but was developed following Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony’s visit to Belgium, where he engaged with other Guyanese stakeholders.
Dr. Anthony, speaking at the signing event, explained that following the visit to Belgium, discussions were held with the EU under an agreement involving the EU President, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
He noted that one of the key components identified was acquiring expertise to establish a Biopark in Guyana, potentially as a smaller-scale version of what exists in Belgium. He added that after several discussions and agreement on the initiative, the process has now been formalised through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, with land already set aside in the country for the project.
“A couple of years ago, I had the good fortune of going on one of these EU study tours. One of the places we visited was this bio park in Belgium. We had a briefing and then the opportunity to see some of the activities taking place. We were very impressed with how this area, which once faced challenging economic circumstances, used biotechnology and was able to attract a number of companies and rejuvenate the entire area of Belgium. It was a fantastic story, but more importantly, it showcased all the new things they were doing,” he stated.
He further explained that the President has designated an area along the East Coast where he would like to see the project established.
“The President is a big advocate for getting things done. Not only getting things done, but also encouraging innovation in health. We also try to break out of the traditional mold and move toward emerging and innovative areas. That is the assignment we have been given, and we are working to fulfil it. I think this will be extremely exciting. I want to thank the European Commission team that is here; they have worked very hard to ensure this is done.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, Martin Seychell highlighted that the initiative represents a significant shift in the country’s healthcare development, though it is only the beginning.
“A biopark creates the environment necessary for all of this to happen—investments. We are witnessing a revolution, for example, in the bioeconomy, and the biotechnology sector is perhaps one of the most promising. We are currently only scratching the surface of what is possible. However, this potential can only be realised if the right environment is provided, including regulatory frameworks and physical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that, “This is an ideal moment to explore, develop, and fully utilise the potential of these technologies so that they become real solutions for the benefit of people and patients, not just theoretical possibilities. Once again, I am pleased to congratulate Guyana. You have clearly demonstrated that you understand the role your country can play not only for your people, but also for the wider Caribbean region and beyond.”
In January of 2025, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that the Guyana Government is fast positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in the health sector, and was looking to enhance its medical innovation capacity with the establishment of a life science park – a facility that would foster biotechnology development here.
According to the Guyanese leader, the life science park will be the engine of a new economy, one driven by research innovation and healing, belonging to the people of Guyana and powered by the highly-anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which is slated to come onstream mid-2026 and slash electricity prices by half.
He went on to note that his Government is not just stopping at infrastructure but also forging collaborations with global leaders in smart care and medical innovation.
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