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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Friday, September 30, 2005 - The Government of Saint Lucia through the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced plans to establish
a National Agricultural Health, Food and Safety Committee.
In a national address to mark Pesticides Awareness Week from September 26th to
1st October, 2005 the Agriculture Minister Hon. Ignatius Jean said the committee
will be inclusive and with a broad mandate.
“We have approved the establishment of a national Agricultural Health, Food
Safety and Standards Committee whose mandate is to establish national mechanism
that strengthens the capacity of the country to protect human, plant and animal
health as they relate to domestic and international Trade. The membership of
this committee will include representatives from the public and private sector,
commercial and scientific agencies.”
He underscored the Ministry’s efforts to maintain the right balance between
health, safety and the use of toxic substances.
“How can we balance the risks to humans, plants animals and the environment
posed by the presence of toxic substance as against the benefits of society? We
cannot prevent
The use of pesticides and toxic chemicals in our country but we can ensure that
they are utilized and managed wisely so as to safe guard human health, our
natural resources and our environment, while enhancing our economic
development.”
The theme for the observance of Pesticides Awareness Week is “Integrating
Actions for Safe Chemical Management.” The announcement of the new committee
adds to several initiatives aimed at developing policies, strategic action plans
and legislation regarding safety and protection in the Agricultural sector.
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