The Radiation Safety and Security Amendment Bill 2022, aimed at regulating the use of ionizing radiation and protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radioactive waste, was on Thursday evening passed in the National Assembly after it saw support from both sides of the House.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, during the second reading of the bill on Thursday, stressed that it guarantees safe and secure utilization of ionizing radiation while providing protection to individuals and the environment against the disastrous consequences of radioactive waves.
“The bill recognizes the benefits of ionizing radiation in various fields such as health, energy, research, agriculture, industry, and education. However, it emphasizes the importance of taking measures to protect individuals, society, and the environment from potential harm resulting from improper use, also from accidents and malicious acts,” Anthony read.
The minister stated that in order to ensure the objectives of the bill are achieved, an independent regulatory authority called the Radiation Safety and Security Board will be established. The board will collaborate with relevant government agencies to ensure that activities and practices involving ionizing radiation and nuclear energy are solely used for “peaceful purposes” in Guyana, he said.
The board shall, according to the bill, consist of seven members, 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 Security, and three people 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 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 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.
According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, Part IX addresses emergency preparedness and response, setting out the requirements 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-governmental organisations.
Further, this Part 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 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,” it added.
The bill also prohibits the manufacture of any nuclear weapons or explosive devices.
Meanwhile, APNU’s Member of Parliament Dr Karen Cummings, giving her support to the bill before its passage, stressed that it is important as it not only seeks to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of ionizing radiation but also seeks to reduce radiological accidents caused by safety failures. “The bill seeks to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials into jurisdictions like ours,” she said.
