Home / About Us
Our History
The Barbados Diabetes Foundation Registered Charity 484 was founded in 2001 to:
Prevent the development of diabetes where possible
Improve health care outcomes for people with diabetes
Reduce discrimination in workplace against people with diabetes
Through generous donations and partnerships with The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Barbados, The Maria Holder Trust and The Government of Liechtenstein, the long awaited dream of the The Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for The Caribbean was realized.
The building was finished in 2013 and the Centre opened its doors to its first clients in February 2014.
In collaboration with The Ministry of Health of Wellness it was hoped that such a Centre could play a central role in:
- Improving public awareness and education
- Enhancing training and education for health professionals
- Conduct appropriate research and screening
- Facilitate the collection of local data and creation of local databases
The main vision was to establish multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary diabetes focused care in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
- Such a model in Barbados would:
Provide holistic management for referred patients from the polyclinics according to an established algorithm - Promote the concept of total care, and physical and mental well-being for persons living with and at risk of diabetes
- Provide diabetes care, self-management, education and support at the earliest opportunity, before or at the time of diagnosis and thereafter
“Active involvement of people with diabetes in the provision of their own care is the cornerstone of good diabetes care” (Diabetes UK2013)
Our Team
Ms. Marsha White Hughes
General Manager
Dr. Diane Brathwaite
Clinical Director
Mr. Dwight Edghill
Head of Administration
Dr. Paula Michele Lashley
Chair of The Foundation
Our Staff
Registered Dietician
Victoria Cox
Wound Care & General Nursing
- Melissa Bisson
- Gloria White
- Shari Bascombe
Technicians
- Lisa Banfield
- Renee Griffith
Receptionists
- Ingrid Braithwaite
- Chinue St. Hill
Administrative Team
- Jenniel Mottley
- Janelle Stephens
- Hilary Forde
Board of Trustees
- Dr. Paula Michele Lashley, MBBS
Consultant Paediatrician/ Senior Lecturer in Child Health DM Postgraduate coordinator for Child Health and University Examiner for Paediatrics
- Dr. Damian Henry, MBBS
General Practitioner at Bridge Cot Wellness Centre
- Mr. Cally Boyea
Former Chief Executive Officer, Barbados Diabetes Foundation
- Mr. Jeffrey Gellineau, BComm
Independent Director, ANSA Merchant Bank; Former Managing Partner, KPMG Barbados
- Mrs. Claire Jordan, BA (Hons), MBA (Dist.)
Chief Executive Officer, First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Limited
- Mrs. Jane Armstrong
Chairperson & Executive Director, ASPIRE Foundation (Barbados) Inc.
- Mr. Ricky Went
Chief Operating Officer (Ag)/Vice President Customer Services, Cable & Wireless
- Dr. Simone McConnie, BSc (Hons), MBA
Managing Podiatrist, Comfeet Foot Care Clinic
- Mrs. Debbie Fraser, LEC (Merit)
Principal and Founder, Fraser Law; Commissioner, Financial Services Commission of Barbados
- Nicole D. Foster
Lecturer & Head, Law and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Law, The UWI Cave Hill Campus.
A Heartfelt Thank You to our
Loyal Donors and Supporters
At The Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean, we are deeply grateful for the support and generosity of our loyal donors and supporters. Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals living with diabetes across Barbados.
Thanks to you, we have been able to offer cutting-edge treatment, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of many. Your commitment has empowered us to continue our fight against diabetes, bringing hope and improved quality of life to countless individuals and families.
Join Us In Our Mission
To those who are considering joining our community of supporters, we warmly invite you to get involved. Your support can help us expand our services, reach more people in need, and further our mission to prevent and manage diabetes through innovative care and education.
Together, we can create a healthier future for the Caribbean. Thank you for your continued belief in our work. With your help, we will continue to make strides in the battle against diabetes.
