National Capacity Building Training and Stakeholder Session in Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George & Shenequa Williams

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda aims to minimize the use of dangerous Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) substances and Methyl-acetylene Propadiene (MAPs), by switching to safer alternatives and removing old stocks and equipment containing these substances. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce the risk to human health and the environment through the environmentally sound management (ESM) of chemicals, and the disposal of waste containing POPs, mercury and other hazardous chemicals.

In order to support the elimination and reduction of the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury, and other chemicals into the environment, a training of stakeholders was organized by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC Caribbean).  The BCRC-Caribbean engaged a consulting team, TAUW bv., to execute this project activity.

At the start of the first day a brief introduction to the Stockholm and Minameta Conventions weas done during the general introduction and objectives of the workshop.  Some of the topics presented on were (a) the introduction and availability guidelines of Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of stockpiles (b) Arrangement for tagging and consolidation in a central interim storage location (c) Pre-treatment, stabilization, disposal and destruction options (d) Institutional, legal and Regulatory framework.

The session’s primary focus is on fostering sustainable practices and ensuring public health through the careful management of chemical lifecycles, from their initial use to their disposal.

Dr. Linroy Christian, Director – Analytical Services/Chairman of the GEF 10279/National Working group for Antigua, in his opening and welcoming remarks impressed upon the participants the necessity and importance of this environmental project with a focus on sustainability and public health in Antigua and Barbuda.  “The training stakeholder session is a pivotal step in environmental sustainability and public health in small island developing states including Antigua and Barbuda. We really need to manage chemicals throughout the lifecycle from the initial use and import to time of disposal”, Dr. Christian said.

The BCRC- Caribbean representative was Ms. Janine Boodram/ Senior Technical Officer (Ag), the main presenter was Mr. Guy Mathurin (consultant) the meeting was chaired by Miss Alexandra Hughes- MOA Analytical Services.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

The session underscored the urgent need to manage the environmental impact of chemicals, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS). These regions face unique challenges due to their limited resources and high vulnerability to environmental degradation. The session highlighted the continuation of projects initiated under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 5-5-5 project, which primarily focused on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

DAY 2

Day two concentrated on topics such as (a) identification of public and private sector financing opportunities (b) information on the target chemicals (c)monitoring and inventory programme for hazardous waste stockpiles (d) methods for conducting stockpiles inventory (e) Health, safety and risk management (f) Onsite training at CBH for the technicians.

The onsite training included:

  • The proper procedure of putting on personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Data collection of the site and its content
  • Filling out a document
  • Mapping of the facility
  • Taking relevant photos
  • Producing a final report of the findings

The workshop was an eye opener, the reality of our situation was brought to awareness.   It was revealed that there were areas for improvement from both the private and National sectors.  “A categorized National Waste Management Plan is needed”, according to Mr. Daryl Spencer/Deputy chief – Central Board of Health.  This was supported by Mr. Jonah Ormond “Implementation, enforcement and allocated funding applied solely for the purpose intended”, reiterated Mr. Ormond/Registrar of Pesticide and Toxic chemicals.

It is the intention to conduct similar training in all twelve member states.  These countries are Antigua /Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad/Tobago and Suriname.

Stakeholders attending this two-days sessions represented Antigua & Barbuda Bureau of Standards, Fire Department, Defense Force, Central Board of Health, Customs and Excise, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, West Indies Oil Company and the Pesticide Registry.

The Capacity Building Training and Stakeholders Session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to actively participate in the sustainable management of chemicals and waste. By fostering collaboration and leveraging international frameworks, the session aims to pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for the Caribbean region.

In summary, the Capacity Building Training and Stakeholders Session serves as a crucial platform for advancing environmental sustainability in the Caribbean. Through international cooperation, regional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, the session was set to make significant strides in managing hazardous chemicals and protecting public health.

 

 

 

 

 

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