The Bahamas held the first Accelerating Scientific Collaboration and Excellence in Nuclear Technology (ASCENT) Regional Workshop, which sought to expand nuclear medicine capabilities across the Caribbean.

Held from November 4–6, 2026, at Baha Mar Resort on Cable Beach, the workshop was under the theme ‘Strengthening Operations and Maintenance of Diagnostic Radiation Medicine Equipment in the Caribbean.’

The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville joined local and regional healthcare professionals in examining best practices, engaging in knowledge exchange, and sharing technology in medical equipment and treatment.

In attendance were technical experts from Europe and the United States, along with regional partners, Chief Medical Officers, and other important medical personnel from the region, who discussed regional cooperation in the fight against cancer.

The workshop was officially opened on Wednesday, November 4 by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Chester Cooper who called for greater regional cooperation to address disparities in healthcare access, particularly for island nations such as The Bahamas.

With a focus on cancer, he deemed the disease a “deeply personal challenge” for many Bahamian families.

“A diagnosis can change the course of a household in a single day,” Mr. Cooper said, adding, “the response, therefore, must be organized around the person with clear information, timely investigation, comfort treatment, support throughout the journey.”

Discussions held during the three-day workshop contributed to making decisions that are “realistic for small states”, planning around equipment after it arrives, how to develop and retain expertise, and making arrangements to keep services available as needs change.

The ASCENT initiative seeks to expand countries’ access to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear energy, science and technology.

The workshop also focused on the financial, operational, and long-term resource requirements for expanding nuclear medicine and radiotherapy capabilities across CARICOM member states and catalyzing regional cancer care efforts.

Participants discussed the expansion of nuclear medicine capabilities across the region; topics related to financial, operational, and long-term resource requirements for effective diagnostic imaging practices used for cancer detection, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up.

There were also presentations from experts in diagnostic imaging and related technologies towards catalyzing regional cancer care efforts.