Over 30 persons last week graduated from the Pesti-cides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) basic proficiency training course and are now able to effectively apply pesticides in homes, schools, restaurants and elsewhere.
The programme started out with 100 persons and its third batch who graduated last week means that close to 90% reached graduation stage, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. GINA said that Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy who was the featured speaker at the graduation lauded the board for the role it has been playing in ensuring persons are compliant with the law as
it relates to hazardous chemicals.
Ramsammy said that by 2020, the ministry is hoping to graduate more students in a more advanced course. This course will eventually be integrated into the Guyana School of Agriculture and while the board will continue to oversee the course, it will be a part of the GSA curriculum, Ramsammy said.
According to GINA, Ramsammy, in his address, said that it is important to ensure that citizens are educated on pesticides. Chemi-cals internationally registered for use are approved by the local chemical board and Ramsammy said that it is “reckless” for businesses to import chemicals without the necessary registration and authorization.
GINA reported that the training is in accordance with two important global conventions- the Montreal Protocol and the Stockholm Convention which require a reduction in the use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone-depleting substances. Guyana is a signatory to those conventions
Chairman of the PTCCB Dr Leslie Munroe mentioned the important role pesticide control operators have in society to protect the environment against toxic chemicals being released. Munroe said that the PTCCB has been involved in the training of many persons including farmers and vendors and the aim is to have everyone educated on the advantages and disadvantages of chemical use, GINA reported.
