The Ministry of Agriculture’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) in Guyana commissioned a new administrative building at Mon Repos on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with the aim to provide enhanced support services for pesticide management and safety.
According to the reports, the construction of the building has come up to cost the administration around $115 million.
This building has been constructed with a vision to deliver pesticide and toxic chemicals management services to the locals.
During the commissioning ceremony, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and several other delegates were present.
While addressing at the commissioning, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha stated that the sound chemicals management is the most importance. He further added that the commissioning of the facility demonstrates the government’s commitment and support for the work of the agency and chemicals management in Guyana.
Explaining the vision behind the project, Minister Mustapha asserted, “When the agency started its focus was mainly on the agriculture sector. But today, the PTCCB as you heard is multi-sectoral, managing chemicals in the mining sector, manufacturing, industrial, oil and gas, housing, commercial, and more.”
Providing further details, Minister Mustapha disclosed that in 2025, Guyana through the PTCCB will proceed with the testing and monitoring lead in paints. This will begin after investing in equipment valued at $43.8 million.
Additionally, he disclosed that laws for transporting toxic chemicals on the roadways will also be implemented in 2025.
Registrar of the PTCCB Trecia David said the global production, trade, and use of chemicals are increasing. This has increased the burden for chemicals management on regulators and governments. The registrar further added that in Guyana, a lot has been achieved in this area.
“This all has been possible due to the strong political will and continuous support of the government,” the registrar of PTCCB stated while lauding the achievements of the government.
