- graduates urged to practice professionally
- Advance Level program to be offered in 2019
After successfully completing a four week long training exercise in two levels of Pest Control Applicator Certification, a total of 76 persons received certificates from the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) during a graduation ceremony which took place at earlier today De Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam .
A total of 49 persons were awarded certificates in Basic Pest Control Applicator Certification, while 27 graduates received certificates for successfully completing the Intermediate Proficiency Level.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd
While delivering the feature address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd said that it is crucial for the nation to have a cadre of professional pest control operators who are well trained.
“Pesticide applicator certification is a means of ensuring that individuals who apply pesticides professionally have the knowledge to operate in a safe, judicious and effective manner. These persons are regarded as professionals capable of using these hazardous chemicals in a responsible manner,” Nedd said.
The aim of the programs offered by the Board is to ensure persons have the opportunity to be properly trained to manage and apply pesticides in manner that does not pose health risks to themselves and others.
PTCCB Chairman, Dr. Leslie Munroe
While delivering remarks, Chairman of the PTCCB Board, Dr. Leslie Munroe said that the Board in constantly advocating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in an effort to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.
“Pesticides are so hazardous that we need to improve the manner in which we use them and with the agriculture sector going green, it is even more important to properly equip our operators to play their role in this initiative. Everyone graduating here today has a role to play to ensure person’s health and wellness are not affected.” Dr. Munroe said.
One of the graduates receiving their certificate from PTCCB Registrar, Trecia Garnath
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged the graduates to further enhance their job knowledge and skills.
“One of your primary commitments should be to continually enhance your job knowledge and skills as pesticide applicators. I am also charging you to seek to make the theme of Pesticide Awareness Week relevant to your work, as we seek to reduce dependency on chemical pesticides,” Nedd said.
Mr. Navendra Jherry, who emerged as the best graduating student in the Intermediate Proficiency level, said that the program was very extensive and he is anxiously looking forward to the opportunities that will be afforded to him with his new status as a certified Pest Control Applicator.
The graduates pose for a photo with some of the Ministry’s officials at the graduation ceremony
During the ceremony, PTCCB Deputy Registrar, Suresh Amichand disclosed that the Board is working towards having an Advance Level Program offered in 2019.
The PTCCB is currently observing Pesticide Awareness Week under the theme “Increase Food Safety; Reduce Dependency on Pesticides; Adopt Integrated Pest Management” and is conducting a host of activities across the country to raise awareness for the proper use of toxic chemicals and substances.
Ms. Sheriyln Innis receiving her certificate from the Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd
