Although Trinidad and Tobago is adhering to existing pesticide and toxic chemical regulations, there is a need to amend the legislation to align with international best practice.
This is according to the Registrar of Pesticides and Chemicals at the Ministry of Health, Hasmath Ali.
Speaking at a workshop on strengthening the implementation of trade control measures under the Rotterdam Convention, he said the country already operates under strict regulatory frameworks established by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Act.
“Under the legislation there are provisions for the prosecution of persons who engage in illegal importation, sales, storage, packaging, manufacture and use of pesticides. The regulations are quite clear in terms of the various activities. So we do have regulations which require persons, if they would like to import a pesticide into Trinidad and Tobago, they must first have it registered by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board.”
Mr Ali added that amendments to the legislation are being considered to strengthen regulatory oversight.
“Currently we do have a Cabinet policy that was recently done to have the legislation amended to include additional pieces of regulations, but in all, yes, it is a criminal offence to engage in activities without the various approvals under the Ministry of Health and under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Act.”
Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean, Anand Maraj, described the workshop as both timely and important.
“As international trade systems become more complex, and as hazardous chemicals and waste continue to move across borders to increasingly sophisticated supply chains, the need for stronger coordination between customs authorities, environmental agencies, agricultural agencies, health authorities and enforcement institutions become even more critical.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Sanjay Singh, highlighted several challenges facing the Caribbean region.
“For Caribbean Small Island Developing States, these issues are especially significant. Capacity constraints, limited technical resources, and vulnerabilities associated with illegal trade and transboundary movements of hazardous chemicals and waste continue to present real challenges for implementation and enforcement.”
The workshop, which brings together representatives from 14 countries, runs until Friday, with participants expected to present proposed measures aimed at strengthening chemical waste management and trade controls.