A team of four members from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently in St. John’s for a training mission.

The purpose of the training is to equip key local personnel with knowledge on radiation and nuclear safety.

The Bureau of Standards is coordinating the mission, which aims to review and assess the Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security in Antigua and Barbuda.

The team will provide recommendations for infrastructure development based on their assessment.

The training started on Monday at the conference room of the new Port Authority Building located at the Deep Water Harbour.

During the opening exercises on Monday, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the IAEA mission and thanked the team for facilitating the workshop.

Ambassador Liverpool reminded the participants that the IAEA provides innovative scientific solutions to help Small Island Developing States address critical development challenges in areas like agriculture, health, and the environment.

He also added that many countries use nuclear science and technology to achieve their development goals in areas including energy, human health, food production, water management, and environmental protection. The use of these techniques contributes directly to nine of the 17 SDGs.

Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, also made remarks during the opening exercises.

He explained that Antigua and Barbuda joined the IAEA in November 2015 due to the pending establishment of the Cancer Treatment Centre and the increased use of radiation equipment in various healthcare facilities.

He stressed that a national regulatory framework aims to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Ambassador Pilgrim declared that an effective national regulatory infrastructure, established per the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance, can reduce the likelihood of accidents or malicious acts and mitigate their consequences.