CariGenetics Names Lab For Marie Gibbons
CariGenetics has named its clinical lab in honour of founder Dr Carika Weldon’s late grandmother, Marie V. Gibbons, while unveiling new initiatives to expand accessible healthcare services in Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “CariGenetics has officially announced the naming of its clinical lab in honour of its founder’s late grandmother, Marie V. Gibbons, marking a major step forward in the organisation’s continued mission to advance precision medicine.
“The announcement was made as part of a special press conference where the Founder, Dr Carika Weldon, was surrounded by her family when CariGenetics also revealed that the organisation has introduced the Marie V. Gibbons Biomedical Science Training Scholarship aimed at supporting the next generation of qualified Bermudian laboratory technologists. This scholarship allows for a Bermudian with an Honours degree in Biomedical Science from an eligible UK university to do a 1-year placement at the Poundbury Cancer Institute to complete their portfolio for HCPC registration. The inaugural winner for 2026 is Jhaleisjha DeSilva.
“CariGenetics, headquartered in Bermuda, is a pioneering genomics organisation focused on improving health outcomes for people of the Caribbean through research, education, and precision medicine. The company has built its work around closing global health data gaps by generating genomic data from historically underrepresented Caribbean populations.”
Dr Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics, said: “My grandmother died of cancer. During that incredibly painful time of her last days, I remember standing in the hospital room with my family when my cousin asked me a question that has stayed with me for years. She said, ‘Aren’t you a cancer researcher — shouldn’t you know what to do?’ At that moment, I felt heartbroken, helpless, and overwhelmed. Even with all the science, all the studying, and all the ambition, I could not do what I so desperately wanted to do for someone I loved. That moment never left me. It has lived with me through the years, and it has helped shape the woman I am, the scientist I have become, and the mission behind CariGenetics.”
A spokesperson added, “CariGenetics is also pleased to announce that they are now able to start offering more affordable routine bloodwork testing to service those who are uninsured or underinsured. This includes a routine liver panel, chemistry panel, CBC, HbA1c and PSA testing. CariGenetics will be offering a PSA test for $50 for those paying out of pocket, for example.
“To further honour the Gibbons name, CariGenetics has also partnered with Angelique Pitcher, whose grandmother was Deanna Gibbons, Marie V Gibbons sister, on her new Concierge Phlebotomy Service called Gentle Hands.”
Angelique Pitcher, Founder of Gentle Hands, said: “Launching Gentle Hands mobile phlebotomy service in Bermuda marks an exciting step toward improving access to healthcare across the island. Our service brings professional, reliable blood collection directly to your home, workplace, or care facility— eliminating long wait times and transportation challenges. With a strong focus on patient comfort, efficiency, and clinical excellence, Gentle Hands is committed to supporting individuals, families, and corporate partners with convenient, high-quality care wherever it’s needed most.”
A spokesperson added, “The new lab, scholarship and concierge phlebotomy service strengthens CariGenetics’ local scientific footprint and reflects the organisation’s wider strategy of investing in local capacity building in precision medicine. CariGenetics has consistently positioned itself as a leader in Caribbean genomics and has emphasised a community-focused, scientifically accurate, and forward-looking approach in its public work.
“The announcement of CariGenetics’ new office at Brock Hall also signals a new phase of growth for the organisation, creating additional space for operations, engagement, and future programme development.
“Together, the four announcements reflect a single vision: building stronger, more inclusive scientific infrastructure for Bermuda and the Caribbean, while investing in both present-day health innovation and future leadership.
“To book a concierge appointment with Gentle Hands, visiting https://carigenetics.com/gentle-hands/ today.”
