The Caribbean pharmacy sector stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by innovation, accountability, and research, declared Kalawattie Datt-Singh, outgoing President of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP), in a stirring address at the opening ceremony of CAP’s 45th Annual Conference in Dominica.
Datsing, who hails from Guyana, emphasized that “the pharmacy industry is changing rapidly,” propelled by technological advancements, evolving patient needs, and shifting healthcare policies. She highlighted key trends shaping the future of the profession, including digital health integration, artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. “Pharmacists are at the forefront of these changes,” she said, “playing an essential role in enhancing patient care, improving medication management, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of drug therapies.”
The conference theme, Pharmacy 2025 and Beyond: Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation, Accountability, and Research, reflects the urgency and opportunity facing Caribbean pharmacists. Datsing urged delegates to embrace expanded clinical roles and sustainability-focused practices, noting that the profession must adapt to new technologies and collaborate more deeply with healthcare teams.
The five-day event, held from August 18th to 24th, and hosted in partnership with the Dominica Pharmaceutical Society, welcomed delegates from across the region both virtually and in person. It featured workshops, plenary sessions, and continuing education programs designed to empower pharmacists with evidence-based knowledge and tools to better serve their communities.
In a heartfelt moment, Datsing bid farewell to her presidency, thanking her executive team and corporate partners for their dedication and support. She credited her leadership journey to her roots in the Guyana Pharmacists Association, which she said “groomed me to take up this mantle and showed my capabilities to lead at a regional level.”
The ceremony concluded with the formal introduction of CAP’s new executive body for 2025–2027, led by incoming President Jorman L. Laureate of the Cayman Islands. Datsing passed the symbolic presidential medal to Laureate, expressing confidence in his leadership and the future of CAP.
“Let us empower our patients, support other healthcare providers, and open doors for those left behind,” Datsing urged in closing. “Let’s make sure the changes benefit everyone, everywhere.”
With a renewed vision and leadership, CAP continues its mission to elevate pharmacy practice across the Caribbean, ensuring that pharmacists remain vital agents of change in the region’s healthcare landscape.
