AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO STAFF PROTECTION AND WELL-BEING

It has been brought to the attention of the Department of Agriculture (St. Kitts) that
allegations have been circulating and suggesting that workers are not provided with the
essential personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to carry out their duties in
relation to working with chemicals designated for agricultural use.
The Department refutes these allegations and wishes to categorically state that the
necessary personal protective equipment including gloves, boots, respirators and
coveralls have been supplied to the relevant Unit, with the most recent requisition being
this past July 2023.

In keeping with Department practice, the PPE is kept in the possession of the relevant
staff who is responsible for using the chemical as the equipment is not and should not
be shared.

Further, staff is trained once a year by the company that supplies the chemicals
specifically in the appropriate use of chemicals and proper use of PPE. This is in
keeping with the practice of the Department’s safety measures.

The Department has been and continues to exhibit care and concern for workers’ safety
by providing the essential PPE needed to conduct work activities as well as offering
training to ensure appropriate use of PPE and storage of chemicals. It is therefore
unfortunate that these unfounded allegations have been circulating in the media.
The Department is committed to the safety and well-being of our workers, and takes all
necessary measures to ensure their protection, including the implementation of
comprehensive protective care protocols. Any claims suggesting otherwise are
inaccurate and do not reflect the reality of our commitment to maintaining a secure and
healthy work environment.

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