THE Government of Guyana, on Wednesday, signed a revised supplementary agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – a move that will see the country benefitting from even more meaningful technical assistance from the UN organisation.
During the simple but significant ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the signing of the agreement is evidence of Guyana’s rapidly developing relationship with the IAEA.

“The IAEA is a UN body uniquely equipped and experienced to offer holistic assistance in treating with the use of radioactive substances which offer viable solutions to a range of the development challenges with which our world constantly grapples of which Guyana has not to date fully availed. It has thus become necessary to conclude this Agreement to facilitate the provision of even more meaningful technical assistance to the Government of Guyana from the IAEA,” the Foreign Affairs Minister explained.

The revised standard agreement sets the foundation for collaborative and cooperative endeavours between Guyana and the IAEA on terms similar to those of other UN agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Minister Cummings noted that the agreement builds on a number of discussions that took place with the IAEA in recent times and takes account of the priorities of the Country Programme Framework as well as the Caribbean Regional Strategic Document.

“As you have heard, and I am sure you know, the Ministry of Health is the Focal Point for the IAEA in Guyana. What I am sure is not as well known is that the peaceful applications of radioactive sources go well beyond the health sector. Thus, the signature of this agreement at one and the same time, consolidates our use of such sources within the health sector while also laying the platform for the many other applications of importance to Guyana, especially at this juncture of our development,” the foreign affairs minister explained.

She said that agreement would prove to be helpful particularly in the areas of agriculture, climate change, food and nutrition security, water management, health and radiation safety and emergency management.

“With the many and increasing radioactive sources and radiation-emitting devices within Guyana, partnership with the IAEA is both strategic and timely. It is of course essential to have adequate laws, regulations, controls, monitoring, trained personnel, modern equipment, emergency preparedness and response, etc. in Guyana to ensure the safe and peaceful use of radioactive sources and radiation-emitting devices,” she said.

It was noted that Guyana previously benefitted from many resources and technical support from the IAEA through its Technical Cooperation (TC) Projects. The 2018-2019 national project focuses on capacity building in the areas of health, agriculture and food safety, water management, and radiation emergency management with a budget of EUR 107,000. “For the 2020-2021 cycle, a project is contemplated which aims to enhance the country’s capacity for radiation safety and protection as well as regulatory functions, with specific emphasis on the regulatory functions of the Environmental Protection Agency which is the designated interim regulatory body. It will apply equally to such functions within the Ministry of Public Health. Guyana has also benefitted under several regional and interregional Projects through expert missions, training and the provision of equipment,” the foreign affairs minister detailed.

For those reasons, the minister said she is pleased to have concluded the agreement which opens opportunities for further assistance and allows for Guyana’s policies and practices to be aligned with those of the International Health Regulation and IAEA as it strives to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy for peace, health and prosperity.
The Government of Guyana, she said, will continue to support measures for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, which contributes to international peace and security and acceleration of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Representatives from the IAEA, the Public Health Ministry, the Department of Environment, Office of Climate Change, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs witnessed the signing ceremony.