Whylie
PAUL WHYLIE, Registrar of the Pesticides Control Authority in Jamaica, has been appointed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (Chemical Division), to be the project manager for the Global Assessment of Persistent Toxic Substances.
The aim of the project is to obtain information on the production, storage and releases of these chemicals as well as the threats and effects that occur to the environment and human health. Persistent toxic substances can last in the environment for a long time and be transported long distances far from their origin. They can accumulate in organisms through the food chain, and be present in food at levels of concern for human health.
The assessment will be carried out in all regions of the world and is being funded by the Global Environment Facility. The outcomes of the two year project should serve to guide future international action to protect human health and the environment from persistent toxic substances.
The Jamaican Registrar of the PCA says his new job will be a very challenging one, covering approximately 200 countries, divided into 10 regions around the globe, each with a regional manager and a regional team.
Active
Mr. Whylie was an active participant while representing Jamaica during negotiations at the Inter-Governmental Confer-ences on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). PIC, later the Rotterdam Convention, is a Procedure that deals with international trade in certain hazardous pesticides and industrial chemicals. He also played a significant role in developing meaningful programmes for pesticide assessment globally and in the development of the Project which he has been appointed to lead.
He has participated in many workshops worldwide dealing with toxic chemicals and pesticides and holds a master's degree in agricultural sciences. His experience also extends to interdisciplinary work relating to technical and scientific issues.
The first Registrar of the Pesticide Control Authority in Jamaica, Mr. Whylie has, in the eight years in this position, piloted the institution of regulations governing pesticide control; established a registration procedure for pesticides and implemented licensing for the importation of chemicals. Significant improvements in public awareness of pesticides, have also been accomplished during his tenure. He will take up his new post on September 4, in Geneva Switzerland.
