At age 26, Devy Frederick is on a mission to transform healthcare in the Caribbean. With a background in biochemistry and a deep passion for genetics, he saw a void in the region’s medical landscape—one he is determined to fill.
Frederick became intrigued with genetics while studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI) – St Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. “I was fascinated by how variations in genes could massively impact an individual’s risk of developing certain conditions,” he recalls. That fascination metamorphosed into determination when he realised how little access the Caribbean had to genetic research and precision medicine.
“Much of the genetic research happening globally barely included Caribbean populations,” he explains. “Our unique genetic makeup, shaped by centuries of migration and mixing, was often overlooked.” This lack of representation has real consequences—Caribbean patients are being treated with a one-size-fits-all approach based on data from vastly different populations.
Frederick’s solutions?
GenTech Analytica—his recently established organisation dedicated to bridging this gap by making genetic testing and precision medicine accessible in the Caribbean. His vision is ambitious: a future where genetics is a cornerstone of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease, particularly non-communicable conditions like prostate cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which disproportionately affect the region. To achieve this, the company mapped out a multifaceted strategy—beginning with student educational campaigns, encouraging them to explore careers in genetics as it is an underrepresented field of inquiry.
“It’s simple to get the necessary tools, but they become useless without the necessary expertise,” he emphasises, adding that GenTech Analytica is committed to training medical professionals—equipping doctors, nurses, and pharmacists with the knowledge to apply genetic insights in patient care effectively.
The organisation is also driving policy change. As the founder, Frederick is actively working with government officials to develop frameworks that support the integration of genetic medicine into national healthcare systems. From ethical considerations to data protection, these policies will lay the groundwork for a future where genetic testing isn’t a luxury but a standard part of medical care.
GenTech Analytica’s aim is also to make a difference in pharmacogenomics-the study of how genes affect how people respond to medications: “Not everyone metabolises drugs the same way,” Frederick says. “By incorporating genetic sequencing into clinical care, doctors can prescribe not only the most suitable medication but also the correct dosage, improving patient outcomes and minimising adverse reactions.”
But for precision medicine to truly take root in the Caribbean, a solid foundation of genetic data is needed. That’s why GenTech Analytica has launched the Caribbean Genome Project—an ambitious research effort to build a genetic database that reflects the region’s diverse ancestry.
The data is crucial to tackling the region’s high non-communicable disease rates. “Much of the existing genetic research is based on Eurocentric populations,” he says. “We lack the data needed to develop targeted solutions for our own people”. By closing this gap, GenTech Analytica is setting the stage for groundbreaking medical advancements tailored specifically to Caribbean populations.
With software solutions in development to help healthcare providers interpret genetic data, Frederick envisions a future where Caribbean medicine is personalised, proactive, and data driven.
“I see us creating a system where medicine is not just reactive but proactive, leading to better health outcomes,” he says.
Frederick’s work is a potential revolution – breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Using our unique circumstances, he’s making sure the Caribbean isn’t just catching up to the rest of the world but leading the way.
Contributor: Kherim Nelson
Kherim is a 23-year-old former media professional who transitioned into public relations. He now serves as Communications Officer at Export Saint Lucia but maintains his passion for storytelling.
