CARDI heads Pesticide Control Board
14 June 2005

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Belize Hon. Michael Espat has appointed CARDI Representative in the country Mr. Anil Sinha as the Chairperson of the Pesticide Control Board (PCB).

Pesticides are used for the control of pests that affect agricultural production, buildings and health. The nature of these chemicals presents certain risks to the applicators, the consumers and the environment.

The control of pesticides are of utmost importance explained Mr Sinha “to ensure that pesticide use does not result in unreasonable risk to health and the environment.”

The Mission of the Board is to safeguard the health of the Belizean people, promote the availability of wholesome foods free of pesticide residue; safeguard the environment, providing from the adverse effects of pesticides; and to assist in economic development, enhancing the quality of agricultural production; by providing comprehensive control in all aspects of pesticide management.

The Board consists of 14 members and include representation from all major sectors interested in the issue of pesticides and pesticides control, such as the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment, agricultural producers, Non-governmental organizations, and the pesticide industry.

The Minister of Agriculture appoints it for a two-year period. Meetings are held quarterly, while its working Committees meet monthly or as necessary.

The control of pesticides in Belize is governed by the Pesticides Control Act, and it’s enabling regulations. In this regard, the PCB, which is a statutory body, is responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Pesticides Control Act.

CARDI’s assistance to the Pest Control Board dates back to the 1980s.

For more information please contact Selwyn E. King, Public Relations and Communications Manager, CARDI. (34/2005)