GUYANA’S achievements in phasing out the use of substances that contribute to ozone depletion was reflected yesterday, twenty-two years after the country ratified the Montreal Protocol.The reflection was done by stakeholders from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ozone Action Unit and the Hydromet Office who met at the Regency Hotel to commemorate World Ozone Day 2015. The event was held under the theme, ‘30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together’.

Guyana has been quite successful at reducing a significant percentage of the gas, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which is ranked very high in its global warming potential.

It was through careful planning and the establishment of a national blueprint that called key stakeholders into action, such as the GRA, that Guyana was able to arrive at this feat. In 2007, legislation was introduced to control the importation of ozone depleting substances as well as equipment in which these substances are contained. High on the agenda also, was the phasing out of the HCFCs.

Supplementing legislation was technical capacity training by the National Ozone Action Unit, for Customs officers, especially those stationed at the country’s main points of entry, namely Regions 2, 4, 6 and 9. They became knowledgeable about the procedures applied when detaining ozone depleting substances and mandatory retrofiting at the expense of the importers. On one occasion, directives were given for the re-exportation of a shipment, based on the advice of the National Ozone Action Unit.

Deputy Head of Customs Excise and Trade Operations Mr. Patrick Hyman, who addressed the commemorative gathering, hailed the contributions of partners in this endeavour, particularly in the area of training and the supply of equipment such as refrigerant identifiers. The programme was also extended to refrigeration and Air Condition (AC) technicians. The general aim was to promote good refrigeration practices among technicians in the services sector.

The efforts of the GRA in particular at monitoring and enforcement of ozone depleting substances, was applauded by acting Chief Hydromet Officer Dr. Garvin Cummings who also delivered remarks at yesterday’s event.

However, amidst these achievements, there was the stark reminder for continued vigilance, especially with smuggling operations that undermine the progress made thus far. Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms Shabnam Mallick, who was also in attendance said smugglers have utilised schemes that make the job of detection and restriction by customs officers more difficult.