Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony at the April 13 sitting of the National Assembly tabled a bill aimed at regulating the use of ionizing radiation and protect persons and the environment from the harmful effects of radioactive waste.
According to its explanatory memorandum, the Radiation Safety and Security Bill “recognizes that the use of ionizing radiation can provide important benefits in many fields, including health and medicine, energy production, scientific research, agriculture, industry and education. However, it is also recognised that it is equally important to establish measures to protect individuals, society and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, including those that can result from improper use, accidents or malicious acts.”
The Bill speaks to the establishment of a Radiation Safety and Security Board which is expected to be an “independent regulatory authority” mandated to work with relevant government agencies to ensure that activities and practices involving the uses of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy are used in Guyana for only peaceful purposes.
The Board shall, according to the Bill, consist of seven persons, appointed by the Minister of Health, from the Ministry of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection, and three persons qualified in any of the following areas – clinical oncology, radiology, petroleum engineering, occupational health and safety, national security and intelligence or public health.
According to the bill, the life of the Board shall not exceed two years and it shall be responsible for assisting the government to develop policies and measures to regulate the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy, inspection of associated facilities and ensuring compliance with regulations, among other functions.
The Bill is divided into 17 parts.
Part III of the Bill provides for the establishment of the Radiation Safety and Security Fund for the purposes of discharging the functions of the Board. The Fund is intended to be maintained by the Board and consists of the amount appropriated to the Board under the appropriation law, fees charged for services, and any other asset or sums that become payable to the Board in the performance of its functions.
According to the Bill, the Fund can be accessed to pay allowances to Board members or any person appointed by the Board or Minister of Health. It can also be used to fund research and development projects along with training and certification in the fields covered by the Bill.
The Board would be exempted from all taxes and the Minister of Health may appoint an auditor of his choosing to examine its finances.
Part IV of the Bill speaks to the licensing of any person or entity that wishes to engage in activities that warrant the use of ionizing radiation or nuclear energy. It covers the procedure for the application or renewal of licenses. Under this section, any person or entity that deliberately misleads the Board or submits false information is liable and can be fined $500,000 and $2 million respectively.
The Bill’s explanatory memorandum explains that Part IX addresses emergency preparedness and response. It sets out the requirements for emergency preparedness and response plans such as the need for plans to be periodically reviewed, updated and tested.
Additionally, Part IX mandates the development of a National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies by the Civil Defence Commission in consultation with the Board. The plan would have to be sanctioned by Cabinet.
“…the Civil Defence Commission and the Board shall coordinate with other relevant government Ministries and Agencies, Regional Authorities, members of the private sector and Non-Govern-mental Organisations. Further, this Part [XI] provides for transboundary emergencies and allows the Minister to notify the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] and the relevant authorities of any State of any emergency that could physically affect the state,” the explanatory memorandum states.
Meanwhile, Part XI of the Bill caters for the transport of radioactive material while Part XII speaks to provisions for radioactive waste. The Board in collaboration with the EPA and Ministry of Local Government shall develop the national policy and strategy to treat radioactive waste management.
“…these principles include ensuring that the people and environment are adequately protected against radiological and other hazards, and the consideration of the interdependence among the different steps of radioactive waste management.”
The Bill also prohibits the manufacture of any nuclear weapons or explosive devices.
