Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade & Barbuda Affairs  on the occasion of CHEMICALS Awareness Week 2023

Theme: “Safe use and management of chemicals is our collective responsibility”.

My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, it is my honor to be a part of Chemicals Awareness Week 2023, which is being observed under the theme “Safe use and management of chemicals is our collective responsibility”.

Chemical usage has become commonplace in our daily life. We utilize them for personal care and in a wide range of sectors to include Agriculture in terms of increased production of food and a multitude of applications in the health sector.

Notwithstanding their many benefits, it is important that we manage them throughout their lifecycle to safeguard the health of our communities and our environment.

Hence, there is an ever-present need for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to direct increasing attention to risk management actions so as to protect our citizens and our precious environment from the threats posed by toxic chemicals.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development of a stronger regulatory regime, through the recent adoption of several legislative amendments.

I also recognize the establishment of the pesticides and toxic chemicals Inspectorate, which allows for improved accountability and traceability of chemical products of concern throughout their lifecycle such that we may reduce their impact on our society.

Chemical importers and service providers should all strive for compliance with the Law and to engage cooperatively towards safeguarding the health of our nation. 

On the occasion of Chemicals Awareness Week 2023, I wish to recognise the efforts of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board in carrying out its mandate to safeguard the health of Antiguans and Barbudans and to protect our ecosystems against the potential risk posed by the indiscriminate usage of chemicals.

I wish to pledge my Government’s continued support to the PTCCB, with the necessary resources, financial and otherwise, in its efforts at maintaining an efficient pesticide and toxic chemicals regulatory and management infrastructure and ensuring that one of the most significant sources of potential environmental contamination is effectively controlled. 

I encourage the public to engage with the PTCCB to obtain information, share experiences and to become part of the process recognizing that indeed “the safe management and use of chemicals is our collective responsibility”.

I Thank You!!!

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