–Deputy Director-General Martin Seychell launches agreements under EU Global Gateway
THE European Union (EU) reinforced its strategic partnership with Guyana this week as Martin Seychell, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission (INTPA), arrived in Georgetown on April 20, 2026, as part of a high-level diplomatic mission to the Caribbean.
The visit marked a significant step in the EU’s commitment to regional health sovereignty and large-scale investment under the EU Global Gateway initiative.
At the heart of the mission was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana’s Ministry of Health, BioPark Charleroi, and Expertise France — all backed by EU funding.
Witnessed by Seychell, the agreements formalise the rollout of the PharmaNext programme, a collaborative framework designed to develop a future-ready pharmaceutical and biomedical sector in Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.
The EU has committed a combined investment of EUR 8.9 million for Guyana under PharmaNext. A major component of this is the establishment of a science and innovation hub supporting the pharmaceutical value chain, biotechnology, and medical technologies in partnership with BioPark Charleroi, a renowned Belgian biotech park.
Additionally, a EUR 3.9 million programme launched with Expertise France will enhance the capabilities of Guyana’s health workforce in highly specialised areas, including oncology, diabetes management, organ transplantation, and biomedical equipment.
The initiative also focuses on regulatory excellence by aligning Caribbean pharmaceutical standards with international best practices to ensure safe and equitable access to medicines.
Seychell emphasised the overarching philosophy behind the EU’s engagement, stating: “Strong and secure health systems are built in advance of crises. 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 served as a platform for broader strategic dialogue. 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 spanning digital transformation, maritime connectivity, and energy integration.
President Dr Ali, speaking during his meeting with Seychell and EU Ambassador Pierantoni, made clear Guyana’s ambitious vision for the partnership.
“Guyana is actively seeking ambitious partnerships with the European Union to unlock large-scale investment across strategic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agro-processing, and digital development,” he said, adding: “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.”
The visit underscored Guyana’s growing prominence as a key partner in the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda, a framework that moves beyond conventional development aid to pursue “Team Europe” investments integrating infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital health across the Global South.
The regional dimension of the mission was equally prominent. Seychell addressed the opening ceremony of the CARPHA Annual Conference and the COHSOD ministerial meeting, both held in Georgetown, where he reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the wider Caribbean.
By channelling support through regional institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the EU aims to foster a unified, coordinated approach to health security and crisis preparedness across the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.
