CAHFSA Strengthens Regional Collaboration at the 4th Joint AITVM–STVM Conference
July 3, 2026
The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing regional capacity, research, training, and innovation in agricultural health and food safety.
The MOU, signed on Friday 26th June 2026 at The UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, establishes a framework for collaboration between CAHFSA and UWI to support the development of expertise and institutional capacity in the region.
The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from both institutions, including
- Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food Science and Agriculture;
- Professor Karla Georges, Director of the School of Veterinary Medicine;
- Gavin Peters, Chief Executive Officer of CAHFSA;
- Nneka Hull James, Animal Health Specialist at CAHFSA.
The event was also attended by the representative of the Minister of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as senior representatives from several faculties and departments of the UWI, including the Faculties of Science and Technology, Engineering, Medical Sciences, and other academic and research units.
The partnership reflects a strong shared commitment by CAHFSA and UWI to strengthen regional systems that support agricultural health and food safety, scientific research and workforce development. Through this collaboration, both institutions will expand opportunities for training, knowledge exchange, research partnerships and professional growth contributing to a more robust and coordinated regional framework.
This collaboration is closely aligned with CAHFSA’s mission to safeguard the region through the effective management of agricultural health and food safety systems and our vision of a resilient Caribbean built on harmonized science-based frameworks for the region.
Through this MOU, both CAHFSA and UWI reaffirm their commitment to building sustainable capacity, fostering innovation and enhancing the region’s ability to respond to emerging and evolving challenges in agricultural health and food safety.
Under the MOU, CAHFSA and UWI will collaborate in several key areas, including:
- Research and Training Activities: Development of collaborative research initiatives and training programmes, including opportunities for exchange among faculty members, researchers, staff, and technical focal points to strengthen regional expertise.
- Academic Events and Knowledge Sharing: Organization of seminars, workshops, conferences, and other knowledge-sharing activities to promote professional development and regional collaboration.
- Collaborative Project Development and Resource Mobilization: Joint development of projects, grant proposals, and initiatives that support the strategic priorities of both institutions and contribute to regional development.
Highlighting the importance of this partnership in addressing regional challenges, Dr. Gavin Peters, CEO of CAHFSA, emphasized the need to strengthen food safety capabilities throughout the Caribbean. Through this collaboration we will also support ongoing and future initiatives, including the development of The Regional Food Authenticity Centre and regulatory veterinary courses.
The MOU represents a significant milestone toward deeper regional integration, enhanced collaboration and science-based agricultural health and food safety framework for the people of the Caribbean.
