CFCs to be phased out in Barbados next year

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, September 11, 2009 -

Come January 1st next year, Barbados will be obligated to phase out its trade in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Word of this has come from Project Manager at the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Drainage, Rickar do Ward, who disclosed that the move was in compliance with the Montreal Protocol, which seeks to eliminate the production and importation of nearly 100 chemicals that have ozone depleting substances (ODS).   
He said there was a need for heightened vigilance nationally and globally to ensure that trade of CFCs did not thrive.

Minister of Environment, Dr Denis Lowe, said although Barbados is a small island developing state, it has pushed the global consciousness to focus on developing countries and it had to continue to put mechanisms in place to assist in this process.

"As a party to the Montreal Protocol, Barbados had achieved several milestones that served as a positive contribution to this global partnership," he said.

"Thus far, we have reduced our CFC import by 95 per cent and expect to establish full compliance with the requirements for zero imports by January 1, 2010."

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.