Bridgetown, Barbados, 25 June 2026 – Leadership of the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries formally transitioned today during an official signing ceremony held at the PAHO/WHO Barbados Country Office, marking the formal transfer of responsibility from Dr. Amalia Del Riego to Dr. Prabhjot Singh, who has been designated as Interim PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries.
Dr. Singh has been designated by the PAHO Director to serve as Interim PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, effective 25 June 2026 and until further notice. He currently serves as Advisor for Health Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries and will assume the responsibilities of Interim PAHO/WHO Representative while continuing to lead his technical portfolio in health surveillance, disease prevention and control.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from PAHO/WHO, including Director of Administration Ms. Kristan Beck, Ms. Piedad Huerta, Head of Country and Subregional Coordination, representing the Office of the Director, Ms. Souad Lakhdim, Country Program Advisor, Dr. Eva Jane Llopis, PAHO/WHO Representative of Argentina and other members of the transfer team.
The formal transfer underscores PAHO/WHO's commitment to ensuring continuity of leadership and technical cooperation with Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries during the transition period.
Dr. Del Riego recognized the tremendous work of Team ECC in preparing for and executing the leadership transition. She described it as an honour to conclude her career in the Barbados Office, representing the PAHO Director and the WHO Director-General in a unique multi-country office that plays an important role within the Organization. She also expressed how honoured she felt to have led Team ECC and said that being part of the team is something she will carry with her forever.
Dr. Singh thanked the PAHO Director for the confidence placed in him to lead the Office in the interim. Addressing Dr. Del Riego, he acknowledged that the occasion was an emotional one for Team ECC, noting that her exceptional leadership had touched the lives of everyone in the Office. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring continuity in PAHO/WHO's work and to supporting Member States and partners across the Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Kristan Beck reflected on the strong sense of camaraderie within Team ECC, which she attributed in large part to Dr. Del Riego's leadership. She also commended the team's outstanding work and dedication in delivering results within a complex operating environment, describing the Office as an example of collaboration, professionalism and excellence.
Ms. Piedad Huerta reaffirmed the continued support of the Office of Country and Subregional Coordination to Dr. Singh in his role as Interim PAHO/WHO Representative. She praised Dr. Del Riego as an outstanding PAHO professional whose distinguished career reflected exceptional leadership in managing the Organization's programme and budget, strengthening health systems, and guiding complex technical cooperation. She also recognized Dr. Del Riego as a leader who consistently stood up for and supported her teams throughout her career.
The ceremony marked not only a leadership transition but also the culmination of Dr. Del Riego's distinguished service to PAHO/WHO and the people of the Region of the Americas.
Dr. Del Riego will commence her retirement from the Organization on 30 June 2026, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to advancing public health across the Region of the Americas. During her tenure as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, she championed collaboration with Member States and partners to strengthen health systems, improve emergency preparedness and response, advance universal health, and promote equitable access to quality health services throughout the region.
The PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr. Del Riego for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to advancing public health across the subregion. The Office also acknowledged her steadfast support to Team ECC throughout her tenure and extended its heartfelt best wishes for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.
Under the leadership of Interim PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Prabhjot Singh, the Organization remains committed to supporting Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries in advancing health, strengthening resilient health systems, and improving the well-being of all people across the region.
