As part of a high-level mission to the Caribbean, the European Commission’s Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships (INTPA), Mr. Martin Seychell, arrived in Guyana on April 20, 2026, to reinforce the strategic health and pharmaceutical partnership between the European Union and Guyana. A cornerstone of this visit is the strengthening of regional health sovereignty through the Global Gateway initiative.
In a significant step toward building resilient, future-ready health systems, Mr. Seychell witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ministry of Health, BioPark Charleroi, and Expertise France, with EU funding.
These agreements represent a concrete rollout of the PharmaNext program. With an EU combined investment in Guyana of EUR0 8.9 million, PharmaNext focuses on:
- Science and innovation hub: Supporting the pharmaceutical value chain, biotech, and medical technologies in partnership with BioPark Charleroi.
- Launching a EURO 3.9 million program with Expertise France to enhance health workforce capabilities in specialized areas such as oncology, diabetes, organ transplants, and biomedical equipment.
- Regulatory Excellence: Aligning Caribbean standards with international best practices to ensure safe access to medicines.
The visit highlights Guyana’s pivotal role as a key partner in the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda. This initiative moves beyond traditional aid, focusing on “Team Europe” investments that integrate infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital health.
“Strong and secure health systems are built in advance of crises,” noted Mr. Seychell. “By advancing regulation, skills, and regional trust together, we are ensuring that health is treated as a fundamental human right with fair access for all communities”. Beyond the health sector, the mission serves as a platform to discuss broader connectivity projects.
Mr. Seychell, accompanied by representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB), met with senior Guyanese officials, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, to explore large-scale projects in digital transformation, maritime connectivity, and energy integration.
In remarks to Mr Seychell and EU Ambassador Pierantoni during their meeting, President Dr Irfaan Ali said, “Guyana is actively seeking ambitious partnerships with the European Union to unlock large-scale investment across strategic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agroprocessing, and digital development”. “We are not just looking for financing, but for partners who bring advanced technology, expertise, and bankable solutions. Investors who come with concrete proposals will find in Guyana a government ready to move decisively and conclude agreements that deliver mutual growth, innovation, and long-term value.”
Mr. Seychell also addressed the opening ceremony of the CARPHA Annual Conference and the COHSOD ministerial meeting, both held in Georgetown, where he underscored the EU’s commitment to the wider Caribbean. By supporting regional institutions like CARPHA, the EU aims to foster a unified approach to health security and crisis preparedness across the LAC region (Press release)
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