Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry and the renewable energy sector have been identified as areas of possible cooperation during a recent courtesy call between Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Poland’s Chargé d’affaires ad interim, Daniel Gromann, at Ilaro Court.
Mr. Gromann, who was accompanied by Honorary Consul to Poland, Michael Armstrong, expressed his country’s commitment to widening its diplomatic outreach in the Caribbean.
The Chargé d’affaires mentioned an upcoming medical pharmaceutical mission to his homeland, which presents an opportunity for countries to look at Poland’s pharmaceutical industry best practices and knowledge sharing on the latest industry trends.
Ms. Mottley informed Mr. Gromann that Barbados had pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity since 1882 and stressed: “It’s only natural that we take it to the next level to take greater control of the manufacturing process, given the fact that many modern therapeutics, especially in oncology, are simply not available in Latin America and the Caribbean. Where they are available, the cost is extremely prohibitive.”
The two officials also spoke about Barbados’ renewable energy activities and the need for adequate battery storage facilities.
Ms. Mottley pointed out that government’s renewable energy thrust was not moving at a rapid pace as issues surrounding adequate battery storage for the country were still being worked out. Mr. Gromann pledged to lend his country’s expertise in this area.
Other areas discussed include Barbados Pharmaceutical Inc.’s collaboration with Rwanda and Switzerland on drug trials for breast, prostate, and colon cancer; assistance to the fishing sector post Hurricane Beryl; and more educational opportunities for Barbadians to study in Poland.
Barbados established diplomatic relations with Poland on December 13, 1996.