Two decommissioned classrooms at the Bermuda College are to be transformed into state-of-the art research and clinical genetics laboratories.

The development has been funded by a $100,000 donation from genetic research company CariGenetics.

The new facility will be used by the company, which started up at the Bermuda College two years ago today.

Carika Weldon, the company’s founder and chief executive officer, said she had “immense gratitude” for the college.

She highlighted: “Bermuda College was one of the first to believe in my vision, offering the crucial support that enabled CariGenetics to undertake world-renowned research.

“Starting this company with very little financial resources, but with clear goals and determination, we have come a long way.”

Dr Weldon said that the firm’s collaboration with the college had resulted in a number of groundbreaking research projects.

“Each project was fully conducted in Bermuda on the college campus, a first for the wider Caribbean,” she said.

“Being in a position to now give back to Bermuda College, via this donation, felt right. It's our thank you to the college for believing in our vision at CariGenetics.

“It is also our commitment to help maintain the facilities of this great national treasure.

“I am incredibly proud that this institution is now the home of the island's first clinical genetics laboratory — CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics — a testament to the shared commitment to science and innovation.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us over the past two years.

“We look forward to continuing this important work together and building a brighter future for healthcare in Bermuda and beyond.”

Kerry Judd, the executive director of the Bermuda College Foundation, said that having CariGenetics working on-site would enhance the college’s reputation.

She said: “Their presence on campus creates learning and research opportunities, such as DNA extraction and genome analysis, that Bermuda College students and faculty may not otherwise have had direct access to or involvement with.

“It also raises the profile of Bermuda College, both locally and internationally, based on the innovative projects being conducted on campus and at times with Bermuda College students.

“We look forward to seeing the impact and outcomes of these opportunities, along with our ongoing partnership with Dr Weldon and CariGenetics.”

Ali Arouzi, the college’s interim Vice-President of Academic Affairs, described the donation as “an incredible accomplishment”.

Dr Arouzi said: “Bermuda College is immensely proud of having been connected with Dr Weldon and her extraordinary vision and dedication in reaching this milestone in her career.

“Her success is Bermuda’s success and at this juncture of the CariGenetics research journey, Bermuda College celebrates the growth of its partnership with her.

“We look forward to the continued success for this lab and those students who will be associated with CariGenetics projects and initiatives in the future.

“Thank you for the shared belief and commitment of giving back. We celebrate all that CariGenetics has accomplished, and we welcome you to your new home on campus.

“Magna mirabilia portendi. Great and wonderful things are foretold.”