Dr. Linroy Christian, director of Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Analytical Services, attended a regional meeting in Barbados focused on strengthening laboratory testing and food safety systems across the Caribbean.

The Review Meeting of the Laboratory Rationalisation Strategy and Implementation Plan was held in Bridgetown on May 26-27 under the European Union Food Security Programme for the Caribbean.

The meeting brought together laboratory experts and stakeholders from across CARIFORUM countries to review strategies aimed at improving agricultural, fisheries and food safety testing services throughout the region.

Participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation among laboratories, standardize testing methods, strengthen quality assurance systems and improve the efficiency of testing services to support safe and sustainable trade.

The Department of Analytical Services said its participation forms part of ongoing regional efforts to strengthen laboratory capacity, promote scientific excellence and advance food safety and public health across the Caribbean.

The department is responsible for laboratory testing and analysis in areas including food safety, environmental monitoring and public health support in Antigua and Barbuda.