The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

CONTROVERSIAL and praised as revolutionary in the medical field, stem cell research is one step closer to being implemented in the Bahamas with yesterday’s introduction of proposed legislation.

Prime Minister Perry Christie delivered a speech in the House of Assembly that introduced an Act to regulate stem cell research and therapy in the Bahamas, comprising a legal framework designed to align the country with international best practices.

Mr Christie heralded a Bahamas-domiciled stem cell research facility as a chance for Bahamian researchers and scientists to become leaders in the emerging science, and for the world to regard the Bahamas as an ideal locale in which to “live” and “invest.”

“The Bahamas now has the opportunity to host several important stem cell initiatives,” he said.

“Companies interested in establishing stem cell research and therapy centres in the Bahamas propose to build health care facilities and laboratories, create jobs, and offer treatments that will improve the lives of many of our citizens.

“... we will create many important opportunities for young Bahamian scientists and physicians.”

Mr Christie said the proposed Bill would regulate a Bahamian stem cell industry and protect it from exploitation and fraud.

“The framework will prohibit and deter procedures that are unethical or scientifically unfounded, such as human reproductive cloning,” he said.

“It will establish strict regulatory standards and procedures and procedures for non-clinical and clinical research and for therapy, as well as for ancillary functions, such as transporting and storing stem cells.

“And it will establish enforcement mechanisms and legal penalties through which the Minister of Health and the government will be able to ensure that these legal standards are upheld.”

Stem cell research and therapy is said to have the potential to jump start a more than $100 million medical tourism industry.