CAHFSA marks World Food Safety Day 2025 with Strong Commitment to Regional Collaboration
June 7, 2025UWI Diploma and M.Sc. programmes in Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance
June 10, 2025
Ms. Henrietta Alexander Vice Chairperson, CTFS 2025
Dr. Patricia Johnson – Chairperson, CTFS 2025
June 9, 2025 – Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Patricia Johnson of The Bahamas as Chairperson, and Ms. Henrietta Alexander of the British Virgin Islands as Vice Chairperson of the Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety (CTFS) for the 2025–2027 term.
This announcement was made during the recently concluded Annual Meeting of the CTFS hosted at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of the regional observance of World Food Safety Day 2025.
CAHFSA extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Beverley Wood of Barbados for her exemplary leadership and dedicated service as Chairperson of the Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety (CTFS). During her tenure, Dr. Wood played a pivotal role in strengthening regional collaboration, advancing science-based food safety initiatives, and elevating the visibility of the CTFS across CARICOM. Her steadfast commitment, technical expertise, and inclusive approach have laid a solid foundation for continued progress. We thank Dr. Wood for her outstanding contribution and look forward to her continued engagement in the advancement of food safety in the region.
Dr. Patricia Johnson – Chairperson, CTFS
Dr. Patricia Johnson is a highly respected food safety expert and public health professional from The Bahamas, with over two decades of experience in food science, risk assessment, and regulatory systems. She currently serves as the Director of Food Safety and Quality within The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, where she has led national food safety modernization efforts and played a pivotal role in Codex Alimentarius engagement.
Dr. Johnson brings to the CTFS a strong background in science-based policy development, stakeholder coordination, and capacity-building across national and regional institutions. Her leadership is expected to drive innovation, harmonization, and strategic foresight in regional food safety systems.
Ms. Henrietta Alexander – Vice Chairperson, CTFS
Ms. Henrietta Alexander is a seasoned environmental health officer and food safety advocate from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with over 15 years of frontline experience in food inspection, training, and regulatory enforcement. As the Chief Environmental Health Officer (Ag.) in the BVI Ministry of Health and Social Development, she has championed initiatives to strengthen food safety surveillance, public awareness, and preparedness for foodborne disease outbreaks.
Her practical insights and field expertise make her well positioned to support the CTFS's goals of inclusive participation, effective implementation, and results-oriented collaboration across CARICOM Member States and Associate Members.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Food Safety for a Healthier Caribbean
Under the stewardship of Dr. Johnson and Ms. Alexander, the Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety will continue to:
- Support the harmonization of food safety standards and protocols across CARICOM;
- Support evidence-based decision-making through risk analysis, laboratory networks, and data sharing;
- Enhance capacity-building initiatives targeting regulators, industry, and consumers;
- Promote strategic partnerships with national authorities and the private sector responsible for food safety in agricultural, plant and human health.
As food safety continues to be a cornerstone of public health, trade, and sustainable development, CAHFSA reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the CTFS, national authorities, and stakeholders to build resilient, science-based food safety systems in the Caribbean.
