The Right Honourable, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, the Minister with oversight for the
Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, had
the privilege to formally launch and endorse the Regulatory Infrastructure for
Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security (RISS) Advisory Mission of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to St. Kitts and Nevis. This occasion
took place at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room, La Guerite from 03rd
April – 06th April 2023. Participants were drawn from the St. Kitts and Nevis
Police Force, Customs and Excise Department, Ross University, The Biometric
Unit Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards, and many other
Stakeholders.
In delivering his Feature Address, the Honorable Minister highlighted the purpose
of RISS which is to advise and support countries in establishing or improving their
regulatory infrastructure for the safety of radiation sources and the security of
radioactive material. He explained that St. Kitts and Nevis became not only a
member, but a responsible State in the International Community of the agency on
09th February 2022. He gave the commitment that St. Kitts and Nevis is prepared
to fulfill its obligations as a State Party and welcomed technical assistance from the
IAEA. He also commended the Agency for not only offering technical assistance,
but also providing support especially in thematic areas of agriculture, health, and
water, all of which are critical for the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Minister Douglas, lauded the work of the relevant stakeholders stating that The
Ministry of Health and the Ministry of International Trade, specifically the St.
Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards which falls within his ministry, have been
aggressive in its quest to improve the regulation of radiation use and equipment in
St. Kitts and Nevis. He added that the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards
fully understands its role in developing synergies with other border agencies to
monitor the use and storage of equipment that contain radioactive material and has
already started its work on a risk registry for St. Kitts and Nevis.
In concluding, The Honorable Minister outlined the critical importance for the
country to develop its regulatory infrastructure to address ionizing radiation. He
took the opportunity to stress on the importance of our human capital which is
essential for the future development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
From all accounts, the four (4) day mission was considered a tremendous success.
