Establishment of the Montreal Protocol Cabinet Appointed Committee

As of  February, 2014, a Cabinet Appointed Committee was established to guide the  implementation of the Montreal Protocol in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Led by the National Ozone Unit of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of the Environment and Water  Resources, the Committee consists of  representatives from the: 

• Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS)
•  Environmental Management Authority (EMA)
•  Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) 
•  Ministry of Legal Affairs 
•  Ministry of Trade 
•  Trade Licensing Unit, Ministry of Health 
• Chemistry Food and Drugs Division and Plant Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Food Production 
•  Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance and The Economy 
•  Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs and the Tobago House of Assembly 

 

The Committee is charged with the responsibility to guide and provide oversight for the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) in Trinidad and Tobago. The phase out involves the reduction of imports and consumption of these ozone depleting chemicals through a phased approach.  

It is also charged with the responsibility to provide input on the HPMP activities including legislation, standards, public awareness  initiatives and training in new alternatives in the that are both Ozone and Climate  friendly to benefit stakeholders. The  refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the  fumigation sector and the foam manufacturing sector are the primary stakeholders in this phase out.

 

Meeting of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti Ozone Officers

The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP ROLAC) along with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the Meeting of the English Speaking Caribbean Ozone Officers held during the period March 18-21, 2013 in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Dr. Marissa Gowrie; the National Ozone Officer and Ms. Neera Singh, Ozone Assistant both from the National Ozone Unit (NOU); Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Representatives from the UNEP OzonAction ROLAC and Paris Office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national stakeholders from St. Kitts and Nevis were also present.

The meeting focused on:

• Major decisions coming of the 24th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and the Compliance Status of the Montreal Protocol in the Caribbean Network 
• Major issues addressed in the 23rd Meeting of the Open Ended Working Group of the Montreal Protocol
• Recent decisions of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat and the implications for the Caribbean Region
• Certifications and licensing systems  for technicians (case study on a system set up by the Belize Ozone Unit)
• Graduate level course on the Management of Ozone Depleting Substances in progress to be implemented at the University of the West Indies and its benefits to the Caribbean region
• Implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase Out Management Plans (HPMPs)

This forum provided a distinct opportunity for the English Speaking Caribbean and Haitian Ozone Officers to share and learn from each others' experiences.
 

NOU takes part in EduFest 2012

In commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, on October 9^th, 2012  the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS) and Republic Bank Ltd hosted an awareness day to educate children about cancer and how to lead healthy lifestyles. EduFest 2012 was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, North Academy (NAPA).

There were several booths highlighting the various types of cancers affecting citizens. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) represented by Neera Singh and Anastasia Gordon attended and shared information on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer. 

There were a number of high schools and primary schools in attendance. These young people and their teachers were very enthusiastic and were well aware of ozone layer depletion and its effects. It was truly a pleasure to take part in this event. 

Aerial view of NOU booth, Anastasia Gordon (right) and Neera Singh (left) interacting with a group of high school students

Anastasia Gordon interacting with a group of primary school students

Quiz Time! Anastasia Gordon and Neera Singh (NOU) testing students awareness of ozone depletion and its link to skin cancer 

Key points to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation 
and prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Seek shade especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun.  
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. 
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.

NOU partners with NIHERST

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Housing and the Environment is partnering with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) of Trinidad and Tobago to embark upon an educational and public awareness drive relating to the ozone layer. The aim of this activity is to disseminate knowledge to the public through the NIHERST National Science Centre on ozone friendly practices, the effects of ozone depletion and sun safety. 

Our National Ozone Officer, Dr Marissa Gowrie along with Ozone Assistant Ms Neera Singh, expect that an interactive way to present the information will be developed so that kids of all ages can get a chance to discover and understand the hole in the ozone layer, how it was formed and how it can heal. 

During peak times, the National Science Centre has over 300 students visiting the displays, which provides a valuable opportunity for the NOU to get their message across. The Centre has also agreed to partner with the NOU during their grand display to commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol in September 2012. 

To learn more about the National Science Centre, you may visit their national website or their link on Facebook.

Above right: Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer presenting a representative of NIHERST with educational material on the ozone layer.