CariGenetics, in partnership with St George’s University (SGU), officially announced the launch of the Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study in Grenada during a press conference today at the Presidential Suite, Chancellery Building, SGU.
The launch marks an important step in advancing Caribbean-led genomic research, precision medicine, and men’s health awareness. This study is the first ever genetic study for Grenada and forms part of CariGenetics’ broader regional work to ensure that Caribbean people are represented in the research that will shape the future of healthcare.
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men across the Caribbean. Through this study, CariGenetics and SGU aim to help strengthen understanding of how genetics may influence prostate cancer risk, improve screening, prevention, treatment, and long-term public health planning for Caribbean men in Grenada.
The Grenada cohort is part of CariGenetics’ ongoing Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study, which has already completed its Bermuda and St Lucia cohorts. This study contributes to the larger Caribbean Genome Program, which aims to sequence 250,000 people from the Caribbean by 2030. By increasing Caribbean representation in genomic research, the program seeks to close long-standing gaps in global health data and support more equitable healthcare outcomes for historically underrepresented populations.
This partnership also goes beyond creating local laboratory sequencing capacity for human research to also training the SGU nursing department how to recruit for genetic research. Training will be conducted by CariGenetics, in partnership with the UK Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors (AGNC).
“Caribbean people have been missing from the research that informs modern medicine,” said Dr Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics. “This study is about changing that. It is about ensuring that men in Grenada and across the region are not only included in the future of healthcare but are helping to lead it. When we understand our own DNA, we can build better tools for prevention, earlier awareness, more informed treatment, and stronger public health decisions.”
The press conference brought together leaders in genomics, public health, and education to discuss why prostate cancer research is critical for Caribbean men and how greater participation in genetic studies can support more personalised and proactive healthcare.
Speakers included:
- Dr Shawn Charles, Chief Medical Officer, Grenada
- Dr Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO, CariGenetics
- Dr Trevor Noël, St George’s University, Grenada
- Dr Dolland Noel, St George’s University, Grenada
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shawn Charles, shared, “The Ministry of Health fully endorses the study by CariGenetics in partnership with St George’s University on prostate cancer. As the leading cause of men’s cancer death in Grenada, this work on prostate cancer is crucial. We encourage all men to take advantage of this opportunity and participate.”
“St. George’s University welcomes the opportunity to partner with CariGenetics on this important study. Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men across the Caribbean, and this work reflects our shared commitment to improving awareness, advancing research, and supporting better health outcomes for Caribbean communities. By strengthening Caribbean representation in genomic research, this study can help ensure that the future of precision medicine is more equitable, more relevant, and better informed by the populations it is intended to serve,” said Dr Mark Clunes, Provost, SGU
During her remarks, Dr Weldon also acknowledged the support of two prominent Grenadian male voices, Sir Dr Kirani James, President of the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) and the most decorated 400-meter runner in the world, and Mr Killa, the Grenadian cultural ambassador and one of the world’s leading Soca champions, who is deeply rooted in wellness and holistic health. Both men are lending their platforms to encourage men to learn more about prostate health, early awareness, and the importance of prioritising their well-being. Their support reflects the importance of trusted community voices in helping men feel informed, encouraged, and empowered to participate in conversations about their health.
Source: Carigenetics
