Referring to the Caribbean region as a small link in the chain of environmental management, Health and Environment Minister Dr. Douglas Slater reminded those attending the Main Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers that a chain is only as strong as it weakest link. “We must do our part in the fight to protect the Ozone.”

Minister Slater delivered the featured address at the opening ceremony of the four-day meeting held from last Tuesday, April 25. Reminding those in attendance that the depleting Ozone layer affects our lives, Dr. Slater stressed the need for political commitment if the efforts are to be successful.{{more}}

Ozone officers from around the region as well as special United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) officials were present at the meeting where the theme was “Sustaining Compliance with the Montreal Protocol.” The Montreal protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Originally signed in 1987 the agreement was substantially amended in 1990 and further in 1992.

The protocol stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere-chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) and other compounds that scientific theory and evidence suggest that once emitted to the atmosphere, could significantly deplete that stratospheric ozone layer that shields the planet from damaging UV-B radiation.

Also addressing the ceremony was Dr. Gilbert Bankeboza, Senior Legal Secretary in the Ozone Secretariat.