A Leader Rooted in Balance, Family and Faith
When speaking with Dr Nagassar, you immediately sense the calm, grounded energy that defines him - a balance he nurtures through yoga, meditation, martial arts, and time with his family. “I try to balance everything… my family, yoga, martial arts,” he shared.
His home life is strengthened by an interfaith foundation: he is part of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, while his wife is Presbyterian, and together they read scripture and support each other spiritually.
He lights up when talking about his children, music in the home, and the sitar gifted years ago by his grandmother, lovingly carried through the airport from her trip to India as a surprise. And in true entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife recently launched ‘LUME By Roma’ - a brand of vegan candles now officially stocked in Pennywise. “We didn’t make it about money; we made it about connecting with people… and from that the money came,” he shared, proudly noting that their baskets “sold out” shortly after launching.
Honoured, Humble, and Looking Back on a Transformative Year
Receiving the inaugural Caribbean AMR Leadership Award is a moment Dr Nagassar describes simply: “I feel really honoured… it shows that good work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Reflecting on 2025, he calls it “a transformative and spiritual journey,” deepening his yoga practice, studying the Bhagavad Gita, and expanding his AMR work across the region. December is always special, carrying both Christmas traditions and his wedding anniversary on December 28th, which he and his wife will spend completing their Sanskrit chanting assessments. And like many across the Caribbean, he’s looking forward to Christmas treats: “I look forward to eating pastelle!” he admitted, along with a mix of classic and local Christmas songs like soca parang.
Hopes for 2026: Community, Camaraderie and Caribbean Resilience
With the new year ahead, Dr Nagassar hopes for a region strengthened not only in AMR response but in unity. “I hope we continue to grow… that the country and the region are prosperous and we have harmony and camaraderie amongst everyone.”
His advice to the public is simple and grounded: “Just wash your hands… and avoid getting antibiotics over the counter.” And to colleagues across the Caribbean: “One person can accomplish a lot if their mind is set on it… even with limited resources, if you have a vision, it can become reality.”
Dr Nagassar’s story is a reminder that progress against AMR is built by people who lead with humility, conviction, and care for community. As he looks ahead to 2026 with hope, we celebrate not just his accomplishments, but the example he sets - of resilience, compassion, and quiet determination. His leadership lights a path for all of us working to protect the health of the Caribbean.