THE improper storage, unregulated sale and easy access to pesticides are among the factors that facilitate its intentional ingestion as a leading suicide method, according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis.He was delivering an address on Tuesday at the Pesticide Awareness in Secondary Schools drama final and awards ceremony at the Theatre Guild, Kingston.
Suicide continues to be a major problem in Guyana and despite efforts by the authorities to bring it under control, the unregulated sale of pesticides appears to be fuelling the scourge.
EASY ACCESS
Jervis said that “suicide is a big issue here in the country, many of us have lost friends, relatives, acquaintances and people that we know. More often than not, if those persons didn’t have easy access to the chemical, they would have thought about it again, because many persons after drinking the poisons asked to be taken to the hospital.”
He cautioned that before the use of any pesticide, one must be sure it is needed. Moreover, persons should research alternative pest management methods and keep in mind that most pests cannot be entirely eliminated, even with pesticides.
Underscoring that prevention is always the best way to manage a pest problem, the permanent secretary said a first step in not having to use pesticides is to ensure that the environs are cleaned and maintained.
“Don’t go to bed with the sink full of food and wares so that the rats and other parasites can come in and feed. And then you will turn around and put carbon tablets to get rid of the rats. Don’t have the bins in your yard opened so that the neighbouring rats can come and feed there.”
However, observers said while the move to register unlicensed shops vending the chemicals is most welcome, this is a minimalist approach to address the problem.
Several agricultural experts noted that what was needed was greater control over farmers’ accessing of pesticides, and this could be done through strengthening extension services in farming communities.
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), which has direct responsibility for monitoring pesticides, has been playing the lead role in raising awareness through sensitisation campaigns countrywide and by ensuring compliance with its recommended safety standards.
DRAMA
Meanwhile, three schools participated in a dramatic presentation to highlight the dangers of improper use of pesticide that can lead to ill health.
According to the Registrar, Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Trecia David, nine secondary schools participated in the drama competition from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 (Aurora Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Leguan Secondary, Essequibo Islands Secondary, Hope Secondary, Mahaicony Secondary, Tagore Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh and Kwakwani Secondary).
She said from that number, the final three schools chosen to compete for the winning prize were Kwakwani Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh and Leguan Secondary.
The winner of the competition was Kwakwani Secondary which received the first-place trophy, CSEC textbooks valued $20,000, and $125,000 worth of equipment for the school; second place went to Leguan Secondary which received the second-place prize (a trophy, CSEC textbooks valued $20,000 and $100,000 worth of equipment for the school); and third place which went to J.C. Chandisingh (trophy, CSEC textbooks valued $20,000 and $75,000 worth of equipment for the school).
Meanwhile, the other six secondary schools all received a consolation prize of CSEC textbooks valued $20,000.