The Ministry of Agriculture’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) commissioned a new administrative building at Mon Repos on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The building was constructed and outfitted for $115 million and forms part of the government’s efforts to deliver sound pesticides and toxic chemicals management services to its stakeholders.
While delivering remarks at the commissioning, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said sound chemicals management remains of the utmost importance and that the commissioning of the facility demonstrates the government’s commitment and support for the agency’s work and chemicals management in Guyana.
“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,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that next year, Guyana through the PTCCB will commence testing for and monitoring lead in paints after investing in equipment valued at $43.8 million. He also disclosed that laws for transporting toxic chemicals on the roadways will also be implemented in 2025.
Meanwhile, Registrar of the PTCCB Ms. Trecia David said the global production, trade, and use of chemicals are increasing, placing an increasing burden for chemicals management on regulators and governments. She also said that in Guyana, a lot has been achieved in this area due to strong political will and government support.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture-Guyana
