GCCI collaborates with partners to host Menโs Health and Agriculture Awareness Workshop in Region Three
Designed to champion the message of protecting the health of men in agriculture, a โMenโs Health and Agriculture Awareness Workshopโ was held on November 19, where over 50 farmers in Region Three were engaged in best practices in the utilisation of pesticides.
The workshop was spearheaded by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) with funding from Global Affairs Canada, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB).
The event was hosted in the boardroom of the Regional Education Office of Region Three, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and saw the attendance of Regional Executive Officer for Region Three, Mr. Devanand Ramdatt who described the event as โtimelyโ as it coincided with International Menโs Day. Urging the farmers to make themselves and their health a priority, he pledged his commitment to continuing the collaboration with the organising agencies for the development of farmers. Regional Finance Manager of the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project, Ms. Onieca Dennis expressed similar commendations to the organisers.
Chairperson of the GCCIโs Agriculture Committee, Mr. Brian Edwards, who led the initiative, spoke to the farmers about the importance of the correct usage of pesticides, and preserving their health and wellbeing. Chairperson of the GCCIโs Health and Wellness Committee, Dr. Dason McKenzie also emphasised this message as he spoke of the risks posed by improper handling of these substances.
Four farmers also won pesticide storage cabinets, while several others received farming implements.
