Pesticide Board launches countrywide sensitisation initiative

The first of ten Pesticides Awareness Billboards was mounted this morning at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara as part of the observances for Pesticides Awareness Week 2016.

Registrar of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Tricia David said the Board is part of a new initiative of bringing awareness to the dangers that pesticides and other chemicals pose to human health and the environment.

The first billboard provides information on the dangers of the popularly used carbon tablets, which according to the Registrar omits a gas that is dangerous to the health of those exposed to it.

She noted that there are efforts to reduce and regularize the sale of these harmful tablets on the Guyanese market and expressed optimism that through the awareness campaigns a change would eventually be attained.

The theme for this year’s Pesticides Awareness Week is “Manage Pesticides Responsibly: adapt to Climate Change”.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, in an invited comment, said that Pesticide Awareness Week is geared to improve the management of pesticides not only in Guyana but also in other Caribbean countries.

“Many adverse effects of pesticides can be prevented through responsible use. Regulatory framework for the management of pesticides is essential in order to set minimum standards for their sound management; however, this cannot replace the education of pesticide users. Responsible use and recommended application rates limit potential pesticide residues in crops and the environment. These also help avoid pest resurgence, resistance and reduce impacts to human health.” Minister Holder said.

Areas earmarked for the erection of billboards are Helena, Mahaica, Linden, Charity, Essequibo, Parika, Garden of Eden and Crab Island, Berbice.

Over the coming days the board will also host a graduation ceremony for pest control operators, and the finals of national secondary schools pesticide awareness competition.