The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs was pleased to welcome Mrs. Nikhella Winter-Reece, Laboratory Technologist from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), during a courtesy call earlier today on the Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph.

The visit formed part of a four-day capacity-building workshop currently underway at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, running from June 17 to 20. The workshop is designed to enhance laboratory systems and strengthen technical capacity across Antigua and Barbuda.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary Colin O’Keiffe, Principal Assistant Secretary Gwendolyn Carter-Joseph, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, and Rhonda Buffong of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

Minister Joseph engaged in meaningful discussions with Mrs. Winter-Reece about the goals of the training, the current status of laboratory services, and future collaboration with CARPHA. He expressed the Ministry’s deep appreciation for CARPHA’s continued partnership and emphasized the importance of building resilient and well-equipped laboratory services within the national healthcare system.

The Ministry acknowledges the pivotal role laboratory professionals play in ensuring effective disease detection, surveillance, and public health response.

Sir Molwyn expresses his gratitude to CARPHA for its ongoing technical assistance and looks forward to the successful completion of the workshop and continued collaboration in the future.