This Act concerns the control of genetically modified organisms and related risks. The Act establishes the Biosafety Board for this purpose. This Act applies to the movement, transit, handling and use of all genetically modified organisms that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The Act also establishes a Biosafety Claims Tribunal. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Minister upon such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and shall, in part, represent specified interest groups. The Board shall as the competent authority for biosafety in Saint Christopher and Nevis and carry out other specified functions including the granting of licences and maintenance of a national database. The National Biosafety Authority is established as a body corporate. The Authority shall exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of an adequate level of protection of the environment. The Authority shall determine applications for approval for the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms and carry out research, coordination and advisory functions. It shall also establish and maintain a national database which shall be linked to the biosafety clearing house. The Act further provides for, among other things: restriction on manufacture etc. of genetically modified organisms, risk assessment and authorization of contained use, introduction into the environment, licensing for placing on the market, importation, exportation and transit of GMO’s, the keeping of a register by the Board, remedies and redress against licensees, inspections and matters regarding the Tribunal .
Saint Kitts and Nevis · 2012-05-18