Minamata Initial Assessment in the Caribbean. by Richmond Vale Academy

Minamata Initial Assessment in the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

National Inception Workshop and Mercury Training Report

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1

Table of Contents Project Background …………………………………………………………………. 4 Overview of Workshop ……………………………………………………………….4 Workshop Proceeding …………………………………………………………………6 Participant Evaluation ……………………………………………………………….10 Contaminated Sites and Fish Market Visit …………………………………………12 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….14 Annex 1: Provisional Agenda………………………………………………………...15 Annex 2: List of Participants…………………………………………………………17

Project Background The Minamata Convention is a global treaty which aims to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. Under this treaty, the project “Development of Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) in the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)” was developed. A similar project has already been executed in four other Caribbean countries. The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) acts as the implementing agency for the project and it is executed by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer in the Caribbean (BCRCCaribbean). Funding for the project is facilitated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The objective of the project is to facilitate the ratification and early implementation of the Minamata Convention which contributes to the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by unintentional and intentional emissions and releases of mercury from anthropogenic sources; as well as unsound use and management of mercury. This can be done through many measures such as the reduction of mercury used in processes and the phasing out of mercury-added products.

Overview of Workshop The Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer in the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology held a National Inception Workshop and Mercury Inventory Toolkit Training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on the 23rd April 2018 at the National Insurance Services Conference Room. This workshop was the national launch of the MIA project in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The objectives of the workshop were to: ❖ Familiarize national stakeholders with the Minamata Initial Assessment Project; ❖ Explain the data requirements needed from the key stakeholders to be engaged;

â?&#x2013; Train participants on the use of the United Nations Environment Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Mercury Releases Reference Report and Guideline for Inventory Levels I and II; â?&#x2013; Organize upcoming meetings and site visits with the consultants.

Stakeholders from key sectors for the implementation of the project were invited and insight was given on the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Minamata Initial Assessment Project (Annex 1- Provisional Agenda). A detailed analysis of the relevant legislations of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was reviewed to determine the viability in aiding the implementation of the project. Additionally, an overview of the United Nations Environment Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Mercury Releases (Toolkit) was given to allow participants to understand the data collection and inventory process. There are various add-ons to the project, such as the testing of skin lighting creams and fish species for mercury, and details were given at the workshop.

Image 1. Participants at the National Inception Workshop 5

Workshop Proceeding The National Inception Workshop commenced at 9:30am with the registration of participants. Presentations were delivered by representatives from the BCRC-Caribbean and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology the lead ministry on the project. Key presentations were also presented by Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) the lead technical consultant and Environmental Advisors Inc. the legal consultant both contracted under the project. In attendance were national stakeholders from various sectors across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Director of Sustainable Development Unit, Mrs. Janeel Miller-Findlay (Image 2) gave the opening remarks on the project and its importance throughout the Caribbean, followed by Ms. Tahlia Ali Shah, Project Execution Officer, BCRC-Caribbean (Image 3) who gave remarks on behalf of the Director of BCRC-Caribbean, Ms. Jewel Batchasingh.

Image 2. Mrs. Janeel Miller-Findlay, Director, Sustainable Development Unit, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology

Image 3. Ms. Tahlia Ali Shah, Project Execution Officer, BCRC-Caribbean

The Institutional and Administrative Framework for the project execution, was presented by Ms. Laura Teixeira, Research Assistant, BCRC-Caribbean (Image 4). Ms. Teixeira gave an outline of the institutional components of the project and described the roles of the implementing and Executing Agencies, National Project Supervisors, National Project Coordinator and the National Working Group.

Image 4. Ms. Laura Teixeira, Research Assistant, BCRC-Caribbean

The National Project Coordinator, Ms. Clonesha Romeo (Image 5), gave an overview of the Minamata Initial Assessment Project and the benefits of the Project to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Ms Romeo indicated that though the country does not use mercury in manufacturing and industrial plants, it can be found in mercury-added products such as some lightbulbs, batteries, skin lightening cream, and dental amalgam. Most of these products are disposed of in the landfills as there is no separate facility for hazardous waste and the landfills can be another source of mercury emission and releases in the country.

Image 5. Ms. Clonesha Romeo, National Project Coordinator

Ms. Judy Daniel, Lead Consultant on the project from the Legal Consultancy, Environmental Advisors Inc (Image 6), expounded on the legal framework and institutional capacity of the legislation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Ms. Daniel informed the stakeholders on how the laws of the country can manage the emissions and releases of mercury as well as the importation of mercury-added products.

Image 6. Ms. Judy Daniel, Legal Consultant, Environmental Advisors Inc.

The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) lead consultant Dr David Evers (Image 7), outlined the use of the toolkit as well as the draft workplan for the development of the inventory of mercury releases. Additionally, Dr Evers explained the effects of mercury to human health and the environment, the environmental conditions that encourage methylation of mercury and the risk of mercury exposure to humans through the long-term consumption of mercury contaminated fish.

Image 7. Dr David Evers, Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI)

The BRI consultant, continued with the various add-ons of the project such as the testing for mercury in skin-lightening creams. These creams are used throughout the Caribbean and can have a negative effect on the health of individuals as mercury is sometimes used as a key ingredient due to its melanin-inhibiting properties. Dr Evers proceeded with the fish sampling protocol, which illustrates the biomagnification of mercury in fish tissues, the type of fish species that may contain high levels of mercury and how the sampling is conducted. The identification of mercury in humans can be done through the hair. This is evident as mercury leaves the body through the hair strand. It was illustrated as Dr Evers discussed the hair sampling project that is undertaken by BRI and BCRC-Caribbean within the Caribbean region.

Participant Evaluation The workshop comprised of stakeholders from various sectors that may contribute to the release of mercury, aid in the management of its emissions, restrict the importation of its products or can assist those affected. These stakeholders included representatives from the; ❖ Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology ❖ Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment ❖ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour ❖ Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs, & Information ❖ Ministry of Legal Affairs ❖ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry of Commerce ❖ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department ❖ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority ❖ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards ❖ Central Water and Sewage Authority ❖ Saint Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) ❖ Funeral Homes ❖ Community colleges ❖ Non-Governmental Organization Annex 2 provides a full list of the workshop participants. 10

At the end of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to evaluate the proceedings. The stakeholders strongly agreed that the workshop location, facilities and catering arrangements were appropriate and satisfactory. In addition, the workshop materials were presented in a clear, organized manner, and the presenters were well prepared and responded to questions in an informative, appropriate and satisfactory manner as indicated by 86% of the participants. It was also agreed that the time allocated to presentations was appropriate and satisfactory. Overall, the participants strongly agreed that the sessions were informative, valuable and the workshop met its stated aims and objectives. The stakeholders suggested the time frame of the workshop should be changed to begin at an earlier time at around 8:30am. This would enable more interactive sessions. The workshop could be expanded to two days and include a session which demonstrates the use of devices to test for mercury. Participants indicated that at the end of the project another workshop session should be held to present the findings. Additionally, law enforcement and policy makers should be invited to the initial session to increase the importance of the project. Also, various aspects of the workshop should be geared towards specific stakeholders with an in-depth training on the mercury toolkit conducted. The stakeholders found the workshop sessions very useful, especially the session on the legal framework as it illustrated how Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; legislation can facilitate the aims of the project. The sessions on the inventory toolkit and workplan, as well as the biomonitoring data, mercury content of fish species and the health risk of methylated mercury was informative and increased the awareness of the stakeholders. The session exposed many individuals to additional information on mercury and the extent of its effects. The participants indicated that a wealth of knowledge was gained on the Minamata Convention and, the need for biomonitoring systems to assess mercury especially in commonly consumed fish species.

Contaminated Sites and Fish Market Visits On Sunday 22nd April 2018, site visits were conducted at the Diamond and Belle Isle landfills on the main island Saint Vincent (Image 8 and 9 respectively). The sites were assessed by Dr. Evers from the BRI. Assessments were made on the disposal methods of hazardous waste, the surrounding ecosystem sensitivity for potential contaminated hotspots and the identification of organisms within the area that can be affected. These organisms can be tested to indicate the presence of mercury in the potential hotspots. The site assessment was assisted by Ms. Laura Teixeira, Research Assistant from BCRC-Caribbean, Ms. Clonesha Romeo, National Project Coordinator (NPC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Mrs. Kavern Ferril, Landfill Supervisor from Central Water and Sewage Authority.

Image 8. Overall view of the Diamond Landfill

Image 9. Dumpsite at the landfill

Fish sampling, a component of the MIA project, assesses the levels of mercury within the different species of fish consumed locally by the participating countries. Therefore, a site visit was held at the Kingstown fish market, on 23rd April 2018 with the Dr Evers, Mr. Eocen Victory - President of Fisher Folk Association, Mr. Shamal Connell - Fisheries Officer, Ms. Tahlia Ali Shah - Project Execution Officer from BCRC-Caribbean, and Ms. Clonesha Romeo - NPC. A demonstration of the fish sampling procedure was done to train the NPC to conduct the fish sampling and allow the Fisheries personnel to understand the sampling process. There were discussions on the types of fish species commonly consumed and the various species and sample size to be selected for testing. Dr Evers viewed the types of fish at the market, met with local fish vendors and had a first-hand view of the fish that are available to consumers. To aid the ratification of the Minamata Convention legislations must be drafted to compliment the convention. Therefore, a meeting was held on the 24th April 2018 with Ms. Judy Daniel the legal consultant at Environmental Advisors Inc contracted on the project. The discussion highlighted the various legislated options to assist the development of a suitable legislation for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The meeting continued with the discussion of the national working group and the key sectors to aid the formation. 13

Conclusion The MIA Project was welcomed by the stakeholders, who look forward to collaborating on the project to ensure its success. The participants are now aware of the effects of mercury on human health and the environment and the benefits of the add-on sampling projects to the country. The legal consultant informed the participants of the legislations and institutional framework related to the project and any gaps the country faces. Overall, the national inception workshop was a success.

Annex 1: Provisional Agenda

Minamata Initial Assessment in the Caribbean SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES National Mercury Inventory Workshop DATE: April 23rd, 2018 LOCATION: National Insurance Services Conference Room, Bay St, Kingstown

AGENDA – April 23rd, 2018 9:30

Registration

BCRC-Caribbean Janeel Miller-Findlay – Director, Sustainable Development Unit, Host Country Representative