Roadtown, Tortola - The Territory will join the wider Caribbean community in celebrating Pesticides Awareness Week from September 27 until October 3, under the theme ‘Improving Pesticides Management through Public Education and Participation’.

In conjunction with the Coordinating Group of Pesticides Control Board of the Caribbean, (CGPC), the Department of Agriculture will host a week of activities aimed at highlighting the safe use of pesticides throughout the Territory while emphasizing the need for improved pesticide management.

Activities planned for Pesticides Week include training sessions with farmers on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Tortola on the safe handling of pesticides, educational presentations to students at the Willard Wheatley and Francis Lettsome Primary Schools, the launching of the Crop Protection Newsletter, a church service, the airing of the pesticides jingle along with almanac features and morning devotions on ZBVI Radio 780 AM.

In addition the public is invited to the open house at the Department of Agriculture’s main office at Paraquita Bay on Thursday October, 1 to view displays and learn more about safe use of pesticides.  A demonstration featuring the correct way to wear protective gear will also be featured.

Pesticides Awareness Week provides the channel through which the Department of Agriculture informs the general public and producers at large of the need for sustainable agriculture by utilizing less pesticides and increasing the quality of human health and environment for generations to come.

It is the department’s aim to inform the Territory’s residents about the benefits and risks associated with pesticide use, as well as their role in ensuring the safe and effective use of these chemicals.