As Guyana moves to eliminate the use of persistent pollutants in keeping with the Stockholm Convention, government on Thursday endorsed the National Implementation Plan developed by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB).
At the signing ceremony at the National Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis signed on behalf of the government.
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) signed in 2001 and which became effective in 2004 aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants.
In brief remarks Jervis underscored the importance of having stringent regulatory monitoring of pesticides and toxic chemicals. He said, “I am pleased to endorse the National Implementation Plan and confirm that it is in accordance with my government’s national priorities… It reflects both the country’s policy commitment in addressing the POPs issue and to sound chemical management in an ongoing basis…”
The Permanent Secretary stated that most of Guyana’s problems as it pertains to food exports came due to deficiencies of not meeting the prospective country’s rules and guidelines on residual chemicals in foods. As such he appealed to local farms to strictly adhere to rules and not give the countries a reason to reject their produce.
He made reference to the current problems faced by Essequibo farmers who have complained to the ministry that sellers of pesticides and fertilizers would sometimes reduce the potency of the drugs or sell them generic products as originals.
In addition to monitoring and management, Jervis also stressed the need to protect human health and the environment.
With stakeholders, such as pest control companies and sellers of chemicals present, Jervis pleaded for their support for the PTCCB as a focal point for implementation. He explained that their adoption of a precautionary approach towards the way they undertake their work was necessary to meet not only the Stockholm Convention’s objective but to create an environmentally safe place for Guyanese. “It’s better to take a cautious rather than cure approach,” he said.
The PTCCB’s recent ban on the popular mosquito coil was used to highlight the works they undertake. However he said that persons need to adhere to the bans whenever they are implemented because some of the effects might not be immediately seen but can pose a health hazard to them later on.
