Positioning Barbados as the Caribbean’s Life Sciences Hub

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Export Barbados (BIDC) and EarlyHealth Group (EHG), headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly establish EarlyHealth City Barbados, a US$200 Million world–class pharmaceutical and life sciences cluster earmarked for Newton, Christ Church. The initiative is expected to attract international pharmaceutical partners, drive industrialisation through sustainable contract manufacturing, and expand laboratory and clinical research capacity in Barbados and for the wider Caribbean.

Located across 45 acres, EarlyHealth City will feature three domes totaling more than 250,000 square feet of contract manufacturing space dedicated to the production of oral solids, semi–solids, liquids, and advanced biologics. This includes integrated capabilities for cell cultivation, upstream and downstream bioprocessing, and full scale–up to commercial release under United States and European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

EHG, a global pharmaceutical services and life sciences company supporting manufacturing, clinical studies, and market access across 60 countries, has already secured Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with a number of clients including Acarpia Farmaceutici Srl, Bioeq AG, Formycon AG, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI), and several Asian–, European–, and South American–based manufacturers.

The City will incorporate a fourth dome housing a Security Operations Centre (SOC), designed and managed by EHG’s business partner and Dubai’s fastest–growing cybersecurity and data protection company Cyb3r Limited. The SOC is expected to feature an AI–driven cybersecurity and data–analytics infrastructure intended to safeguard digital assets, manage regulatory data, and provide secure network operations for the life sciences cluster. The same dome will also house a 30,000 square foot high–performance cricket training facility operated by global sports company DriveFITT. That facility is expected to integrate cutting–edge biomechanics and recovery technology to enhance athletic performance and to train and nurture new generations of West Indies fast bowlers.

Prime Minister the Hon Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP, noted that Barbados is committed to providing the infrastructure, investment, and oversight required to deliver what she called a “transformative project” for the island. She explained that “beyond infrastructure, EarlyHealth City Barbados will drive job creation and build local scientific and technical talent, allowing Barbadians to play a central role in developing a new industry. It is a cornerstone of Barbados’ economic future, embedding pharmaceutical innovation and production directly into our industrial base.”

Dr. Dan A. Renout, Chief Executive Officer of EarlyHealth Group, the driving force behind the initiative, observed that “EarlyHealth City Barbados is more than a manufacturing site. It is a platform for transformation. By combining world–class standards and building local talent and innovation, we are creating an ecosystem that strengthens supply resilience, generates skilled employment, and connects the Caribbean to the global pharmaceutical industry.”

Once complete, EarlyHealth City Barbados will host a community of more than 1,000 professionals, offering wellness amenities, restaurants, and collaborative workspaces that reflect a modern, sustainable lifestyle. Together, these facilities will form the Caribbean’s premier life sciences hub.

Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sector and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade the Hon. Kerrie Symmonds hailed EarlyHealth City Barbados as a leading example of commercial diplomacy at its finest. He noted the critical role the Embassy of Barbados in the UAE and its Ambassador Her Excellency Dr. Annalee C. Babb are playing in helping EHG develop a number of critical value propositions for the island, culminating in the proposed life sciences city.

Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology Senator the Hon. Jonathan Reid observed that “Barbados is taking decisive steps to join the ranks of countries leading in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation, building a foundation for sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness.” The Minister lauded Export Barbados, its Chairman Mr. Dodridge Miller, and its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mark Hill for their ingenuity and foresight in not only leading the conceptualisation of Barbados as a regional hub for the global life sciences sector, but also in designing an iconic building he believes can serve as a prototype for new approaches to high–end pharmaceutical manufacturing.


About EarlyHealth Group
EarlyHealth Group (EHG) is a global pharmaceutical services and life sciences company supporting manufacturing, clinical studies, and market access across 60 countries. The Group partners with manufacturers, research institutions, and governments to make healthcare accessible through compliant, end–to–end solutions across the value chain.

About Export Barbados
Export Barbados (BIDC) is the state–owned enterprise that drives Barbados’ industrialisation and export growth. The agency develops infrastructure, supports innovation, and partners with global companies to strengthen Barbados’ position as a competitive exporter of goods and services, with a focus on life sciences, manufacturing, and sustainable industries.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/219aaac2–0f40–45aa–9e7f–48e56b8b2cf1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53be00d8–50b2–4cbf–91dc–9b1b65b4046c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/036fb1db–d93f–4bde–ad18–2fdc99d5d027


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001138984)

Step into Asia’s Most Dazzling Holiday Experience as the Magic of Hong Kong WinterFest Unfolds

HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As winter wraps us in its warming embrace, Hong Kong is being transformed into a magical hub of festive cheer to make it Asia’s most enchanting seasonal destination. The highly anticipated annual Hong Kong WinterFest was launched today in the beating heart of the city, Central. The showcase event is “Winter Wonderland in Central” with a spectacular 20–metre Christmas tree and a delightful giant toy–themed “Christmas Town” to mark the start of weeks of citywide seasonal celebrations.

Throughout Hong Kong, neighbourhoods are being dressed in glittering holiday decorations as a thrilling lineup of events is prepared. Visitors from around the world are invited to immerse themselves in the magic of the perfect winter fantasy.

Hong Kong WinterFest Offers Endless Excitement as Dazzling Lights Make Central Shine

Step into a Dreamlike World of Winter with Giant Toys in Christmas Town

Statue Square Garden in Central has been transformed into a vibrant Christmas Town, where classic holiday melodies fill the air and create an enchanting winter atmosphere. A dazzling 20–metre Christmas tree—as high as a six–storey building—features dynamic lighting effects with colourful patterns. Christmas Town also has 28 smaller Christmas trees decorated with gold, red, and copper ornaments. Christmas Town is filled with giant classic toy–themed decorations, including airplanes, jeeps, trains, and airship, along with puppets delivering presents, evoking the charm of a fairytale Christmas destination. The area is brimming with delightful details such as vintage clocks and heart–shaped candy canes. A miniature train operates every 20 minutes, complete with toot–toot sounds and steam effects before departure, offering visitors the opportunity to capture memorable photos. The Starlight Train Station, illuminated with twinkling lights, warmly welcomes everyone to embark on a joyful winter journey.

Christmas Town will host live carol performance and surprise appearances by Santa Claus to add to the festive atmosphere in the run–up to Christmas. A Christmas market featuring 12 chalets will open on 28 November, offering a wide variety of seasonal food, festive gifts, and workshops for locals and tourists to enjoy as they celebrate the joyful season together. On the same day, eight iconic buildings surrounding Christmas Town will be used as a canvas for an “Immersive Lights Show in Central”, delivering an unprecedented audio–visual feast which will be an unmissable treat for the holiday season.

Chater Road is Transformed into “Starlight Boulevard” and Becomes a Must–Visit Christmas Photo Spot

Chater Road in Central is connected to Christmas Town and will undergo a magical transformation to become Starlight Boulevard by the end of November. Over 30 trees along the road and pedestrian footbridges will be filled with shimmering lights. A Christmas tree light installation with golden decorations will cast a warm festive glow over the entrance to Chater House. As visitors continue their journey beneath the golden canopy of light, they will reach “Noëlia at LANDMARK” within the LANDMARK ATRIUM where they can capture perfect photos in an interactive setting to create romantic winter memories.

Revel in Enchanted Celebrations at the Ultimate Winter Spectacles

Hong Kong's winter festivities extend far beyond Central. Popular tourist spots and theme parks are rolling out exclusive holiday events as an exuberant party atmosphere sweeps the city and every street corner is caught up in the celebrations.

For visitors seeking a fun and dynamic holiday experience, don't miss the giant inflatable playground Merry Balloon Park which lands at the West Kowloon Art Park on 6 December and stays until 4 January. The venue will feature large photo installations of popular IP characters, a 7–metre inflatable Christmas tree, and a 40–metre track, allowing adults and children to enjoy an unprecedented and exhilarating holiday treat.

What’s more, Hong Kong's first popular IP character balloon parade, the Merry Balloon Parade, will take to the skies over Victoria Harbour on 28 December. It will feature nearly 20 giant floating balloons of locally and internationally loved IP characters. The free spectacle is sure to be one of the true highlights of the holiday season.

This winter, Ocean Park is teaming up with a globally loved IP to take you on an extraordinary underwater adventure. From mid–December, a group of mysterious characters will arrive in a submarine and dive into a beguiling underwater city, guided by our marine animal ambassadors — dolphins, manta rays, and sharks. Visitors can join them on an underwater journey filled with surprises beneath the sea. The park will also offer immersive games, limited–time experiences, and festive photo spots, creating the perfect setting for families and friends to enjoy a Christmas full of wonder and joy.

Another unmissable event is the Christmas celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland, which is marking its 20th anniversary. From mid–November, World of Frozen is hosting a spectacular Christmas celebration where guests can dance with Anna and Elsa in falling snow amid the majesty of their wintry kingdom.

“Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” will feature popular local singers performing classic Disney songs. The park's traditional “A Holiday Wish–Come–True” tree lighting ceremony will combine a Frozen–themed spectacle with a drone show, lighting up the Christmas tree with a cascade of magical snowdrops.

As Winter Lights Glisten Citywide, Capture Your Picture–Perfect Moment Everywhere

Dozens of unique photo hotspots across the city will provide the perfect backdrop for your own winter story, giving you the opportunity to capture the enchantment of the season and share the most heartwarming moments imaginable.

The magic of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary celebration will extend to the Victoria Harbour waterfront as Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui teams up with the resort to present “Magical Christmas @ Harbour City” from 12 November until 4 January. The event will feature a host of mesmerising photo hotspots, including a glittering 9–metre “Magical Christmas Tree”, Friendtastic!” parade–themed installation inspired by the Mickey and Friends–themed float featured in their largest–ever parade, a “World of Frozen”–themed installation, and a “Duffy and Friends Christmas House”–themed zone. Disney characters will also make special appearances through interactive video clips to deliver festive greetings and spread the enchanting seasonal spirit.

Other popular landmarks across the city will host themed festive displays. K11 MUSEA, the international cultural–retail landmark seamlessly connected to the iconic Avenue of Stars, will present large scale outdoor installations and a series of Christmas celebrations from late November into December, generating a fairytale atmosphere alongside Victoria Harbour. In the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 Art Mall will also add to the seasonal cheer with a magnificent Christmas tree and themed pop–up stores, such as the “KIRBY’S PUPUPU MARKET in Hong Kong” by Nintendo (Hong Kong) Limited, which is the first POP–UP STORE outside Japan.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club together with the heritage and arts landmark Tai Kwun will host “HKJC x Tai Kwun – Simple Gifts of Joy 2025” from December 1 until January 4, transforming the historic compound into a sparkling winter landscape. The entire venue will become a giant advent calendar with a 12–metre Christmas tree and soft lighting creating a magical scene that blends historic and contemporary elements. From December 12, Circus Plays will present a series of thrilling contemporary circus performances from local and international circus troupes to evoke childlike wonder from audiences of all ages.

In Wan Chai, Lee Tung Avenue will host a Luminous Carnival from November 21 until January 1. This seasonal spectacle will feature an aerial Ferris wheel and an 8–metre Christmas tree crafted from over 20,000 LED lights. Combined with romantic snowfall the European–style boulevard will be transformed into a realm of sheer magic. A Luminous Symphony light–and–music show will be performed every day from 5:30 pm ,with lights dancing to seasonal melodies.

HKTB’s One–Stop “WinterFest Delights” Platform Collates Festive Hotspots and Offers

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is teaming up with tourism partners to launch WinterFest Delights. The promotion will feature a host of festive offers for dining, shopping, attractions, and transport, while the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will serve as one of the major highlights of the “Hong Kong WinterFest”, making a spectacular finale. HKTB has also created a one–stop Hong Kong WinterFest platform (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/tc/what–s–new/events/hong–kong–winterfest.html) collating seasonal hotspots across the city to ensure locals and visitors alike are equipped to make the very most of Hong Kong’s holiday season and savour the magic of a Hong Kong winter.

Media can download photos at the following link:

https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank–hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2269&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Alice Chen Ms Janus Lai
Tel: 2807 6364 Tel: 2807 6428
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
   

Appendix

Hong Kong Winterfest – “Winter Wonderland in Central”

1) Christmas Town
Content Featuring a 20–metre–tall outdoor Christmas tree — equivalent to six storeys high — the Christmas Town will be adorned with delightful toy–themed decorations, including spaceships, puppets, and miniature trains, along with a festive Christmas Market.
Opening Dates

14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Christmas Market (Chalet & Workshop)
28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Opening Hours

14 November 2025

  • 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM

15 November – 21 December 2025

  • Mon–Fri: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Sat & Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

22 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 #

  • Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

# Special Hours: Dec 24 & 25, 2025: Extended until 1:00 AM
Please note: crowd control measures may affect entry on the night.

Christmas Market (Chalet & Workshop)

  • Thurs – Fri: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Sat, Sun & PH: 12:00 Noon – 10:00 PM

# Special Hours: Dec 24 & 25: 11:00 AM – Extended until 1:00 AM

Location

Statue Square Garden (North & South), Central
Christmas Market (Chalet & Workshop)
Statue Square Garden (South), Central

Remarks:*Crowd control measures may be implemented during peak periods. Please follow instructions from on–site staff and the police.

2) Starlight Boulevard
Content Festive lighting installations at Chater Road, Central, and the Landmark Atrium
Event Dates End of November 2025 – January 2026
Location LANDMARK Atrium and Chater Road area

3) Immersive Lights Show in Central
Event Dates 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Show Time 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM daily

Remarks:

  • Performances are held every 30 minutes on a recurring basis.
Viewing Area Statue Square Garden (South), Central
Participating Buildings
  • Bank of China Building
  • Bank of China Tower
  • Court of Final Appeal Building
  • Hong Kong City Hall High Block
  • Hong Kong Club Building
  • HSBC Main Building
  • Prince’s Building
  • Standard Chartered Bank Building

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a86ec790–179e–47d3–a5d7–e3454014c00a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce0338d4–bd70–47e2–aad6–ab928a2f5743

 


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9576182)

Jetex Arrives in Milan

Dubai, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex, a global leader in private aviation, has announced its expansion in Italy with the opening of Jetex Milan in early 2026.

Milan Linate Prime Airport is renowned for its [...] Read more »

LUFKIN Introduces SROD™ V9.2.0

MISSOURI CITY, Texas, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LUFKIN Industries, a pioneer in rod lift optimization solutions, products, automation and software technologies and services, today announced the launch of [...] Read more »