Dr Kirk Douglas
Director, Centre for Biosecurity Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus

The hum of mosquitoes and sandflies, especially in tropical regions like Barbados, is more than a nuisance. These pests carry diseases like dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Oropouche fevers, posing health risks to locals and tourists. With the island’s reliance on tourism, ensuring an environment free from these vectors has become a priority. Yet, given the adverse effects of chemical pesticide use, the need for sustainable solutions has grown. Enter the Renewable Energy powered Silent Terminator (REST) – an innovation from the Centre for Biosecurity Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, sending mosquitoes and sandflies to their permanent rest.

Innovation for Revenue Generation at the UWI

The UWI Triple A Strategy conceptualized in 2016 had at its core, a 10-year vision for The UWI to be transformed into a highly respected global higher educational institution that is financially sustainable and contributing to the revitalization of the development and growth of Caribbean economies. Phase I (2017-2022) was focused on using the existing resources and capabilities to advance the global reputation of the University in order to assist in the revitalization of Caribbean development.

Phase II of the Triple A Strategy (2022-2027), is focused on monetizing the strong reputation to generate revenue to turnaround the financial position of the institution. The goal is to raise a net of US$250 million over the next five years. The University itself is a non-profit organisation. As a result, there are several commercial entities that are emerging out of the various UWI campuses, focused on income-generation. Biosecure Inc. is a commercial company within the Centre for Biosecurity Studies.

The Genesis of REST: Innovation for a Healthier Environment

Developed by Biosecure Inc., with funding from CIBC Caribbean and Export Barbados, REST embodies eco-friendly mosquito and sandfly control. Unlike conventional solutions that use chemical pesticides, REST operates a fan-driven vacuum powered by renewable energy, capturing mosquitoes and sandflies. It employs chemoattractants and heat to lure pests into a trap, where they are dehydrated. This chemical-free approach ensures no toxic residues remain, safeguarding beaches, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems from potential harm. REST’s continuous 24-hour operation creates a protective barrier around mosquito-prone areas. For Barbados, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), REST is a step forward in balancing public health and environmental preservation.

The team from the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Centre for Biosecurity Studies, Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management, and Biosecure Inc. includes Professor Troy Lorde, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ms Ayanna Young-Marshall, Lecturer, International Business and Entrepreneurship, and myself. Our team was awarded the Most Promising Innovation award (BBD$8,000), during an inaugural UWI Innovate Cave Hill competition in 2022 focused on developing innovations by UWI staff to generate creativity and potential revenue streams.

REST’s Place in the Fight Against Vector-Borne Diseases

Barbados’ tropical climate and tourist traffic contribute to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Traditional chemical pesticides, which have led to increased insecticide resistance, degrade air quality and pollute nearshore waters, harming marine biodiversity. REST offers a sustainable alternative, targeting primary disease vectors like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. As a renewable-energy-powered device, REST aligns with Barbados’ 2030 carbon neutrality goals and serves as a model for other SIDS.

A Collaborative Vision: The Role of the Centre for Biosecurity Studies

The Centre for Biosecurity Studies at UWI Cave Hill Campus has played a key role in developing REST as part of its mission to tackle biosecurity challenges in the Caribbean. The Centre combines research and practical solutions to enhance public health and the economy. With a team of experts in biosecurity, infectious diseases, and tourism, REST is poised to be a flagship solution, reinforcing the Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability.

The Broader Impact of REST – Benefits Beyond Mosquito Control

REST’s design provides several benefits:

  • Systematic Removal: Targets adult mosquitoes and sandflies, reducing disease transmission in real time.
  • Chemical-Free Operation: Dehydration method avoids pesticides, minimizing health risks to humans and ecosystems.
  • Selective Targeting: Targets female biting insects without harming beneficial species, preserving biodiversity.
  • Environmental Safeguarding: Prevents harmful runoff that can affect marine life, protecting the economy and ecology.
  • Cleaner Air Quality: Reduces chemical fogging and spraying, contributing to healthier air for residents and visitors.

REST and the Future of Sustainable Tourism

Barbados, known for its beaches and culture, faces persistent concerns over mosquito-borne illnesses. Without vaccines for many of these diseases, controlling mosquito populations is essential. REST’s eco-friendly design supports sustainable tourism practices. By adopting REST, businesses can ensure a safer experience for guests, demonstrating a commitment to health and sustainability. This aligns with the island’s 2030 carbon neutrality vision, reducing pesticide use, improving air quality, and supporting marine life—a win for residents, visitors, and the environment.

REST: Setting a New Standard in Mosquito Control for Small Islands

For SIDS like Barbados, balancing growth with environmental protection is crucial. REST represents a new approach to mosquito control, combining renewable energy with eco-friendly methods. It meets immediate public health needs and sets a standard for sustainable innovation. As climate change impacts disease patterns, adaptive and resilient solutions like REST will be essential. With plans to include IoT technology for real-time monitoring of vector populations, REST is a forward-thinking solution that supports a serene, vector-free Barbados.

A Sustainable Path Forward

REST presents a compelling solution to persistent challenges in tropical regions. Biosecure Inc. and the Centre for Biosecurity Studies have combined innovation with environmental stewardship to create a product supporting health, tourism, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. As Barbados embraces REST, it strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmental preservation, setting an example for SIDS worldwide. REST promises a safer, cleaner, and healthier future – where mosquitoes no longer disrupt the island experience.

And REST not only positions Barbados as a leader in sustainable innovation but also holds significant commercial potential. The  phase-two prototype is currently being refined in collaboration with the London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine, and is ready for investment.

As a scalable and marketable solution, the intention is for REST to be exported to other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, offering opportunities for revenue growth and economic development while promoting eco-friendly practices in global vector control.

‍