–new laws coming for transporting toxic chemicals on roads, says Minister Mustapha

The Department of Agriculture’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) will begin testing and monitoring for lead in paints in the new year with new equipment valued at $43.8 million. dollars, said Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

While speaking at the commissioning ceremony of a new PTCCB administration building, Mustapha also revealed that laws relating to the transportation of toxic chemicals on roads will also be implemented next year.

The building was constructed and equipped at a cost of $115 million and is part of the government’s efforts to provide effective pesticide and toxic chemical management services to its stakeholders.

Minister Mustapha said the sound management of chemicals remains paramount and the commissioning of the facility demonstrates the Government’s commitment and support to the work of the agency and the management of chemicals in Guyana.

“This building is being put into service in the context of the current modernization of this system. The role of the council is to ensure good management of pesticides and other chemicals. Today, Guyana is considered a leader in agriculture, particularly in areas such as the management of pesticides and toxic chemicals.

“As a government, we also encourage farmers and stakeholders to minimize the use of chemicals. The Pesticides Council is a multi-sectoral body that manages the use of chemicals in a number of sectors. It does more than just monitor and manage the chemicals needed for the agricultural sector. Over the years, the Office has increased its responsibilities to include the management of chemicals used in the mining, manufacturing, industrial, oil and gas and many other sectors,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also narrated that the PTCCB is constantly working to phase out the use of banned substances.

Regarding trade and export, some countries place restrictions on certain products that contain traces of certain chemicals and, in an effort to maintain export markets, the government works to ensure the use safer substitutes.

PTCCB Registrar Trecia David said sound management of chemicals is a key element of the Sustainable Development Goals and, therefore, a key factor in achieving sustainable development. She also said that in Guyana, much has been achieved in this area due to strong political will and government support.

“Sound management of chemicals is also a key element of the Sustainable Development Goals, as it is mentioned in five of the 12 goals and is therefore a key factor in achieving sustainable development. Chemical management is also a key element of food safety and security. If you look at developing countries where chemicals management is done well, you will find that one of the most important facets is political will. Here in Guyana, we were grateful. What you see before you today as the Pesticide Board, in its infancy, was only 5% of the total. 100 of what you see today. It was the strong political will that gave great support to what chemicals management has become,” David said.

Minister Mustapha also said that over the past four years, several services have been introduced and are now being offered by the PTCCB to assist in the development of other agricultural sub-sectors.

When the government took power in 2020, several farmers expressed concerns about the quality of fertilizers available on the local market. As a result, the PTCCB began testing fertilizers to ensure their quality.

Since 2021, all fertilizers imported for the agricultural sector are tested here to ensure they meet the quality standards required for our farmers.

This service is of international standard. The PTCCB also offers water analyzes which contribute to the development of the fishing and aquaculture sector. (Ministry of Agriculture)