Barbados will join the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16, under the theme: 30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together ??? Ozone: All There is Between You and UV.

In this regard, the island will be continuing its efforts at reducing the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in various industries, while training persons to detect the harmful substances.

National Ozone Officer in the Ministry of the Environment, Shontelle Wellington, made this point as she addressed a stakeholder briefing and National Ozone Depleting Substances Phase-Out Support Scholarship award ceremony at the Savannah Hotel on Monday.

Noting that technicians were presently looking for alternatives to HCFCs, Ms. Wellington said the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage was presently promoting the use of low global warming potential energy efficient alternatives.?????That means you will be looking at things like hydrocarbons,??? she said, noting the changing nature of the area also presented a constant need for training.

In that regard, she said the hydrochlorofluorocarbons phase-out management plan was designed to build capacity within the country. She added that it was also hoped that they would be able to train a cadre of trainers who would be tasked with training other technicians going forward.

???We are hoping to use the SJPP [Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic] as the flagship training institution for technicians. What we are also hoping to do is collaborate with the TVET Council to further implement the National Vocational Qualification for technicians,??? Ms. Wellington pointed out.

She explained that the SJPP and other training institutions provided students with the skills, technical knowledge and practical experience that allowed them to be qualified in their chosen field.??

Meanwhile, the National Ozone Unit in the Ministry has provided support through the provision of equipment, the creation of a scholarship, and exposure of tutors to local and regional training and sharing of information.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest