Disbursement of EU Grant Funds to ARIA

On Monday June 10, 2013, The Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development as the National Authorising Officer of the European Union Grant Funding held a press conference to commemorate the disbursement of over $400,000TTD in grant funding among five NGOs and the Vet-Med, UWI at the La Lune Room, Level 20, and Eric Williams Financial Complex.

The Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ARIA) was one of the NGOs to receive European Union  (EU) grant funding.  ARIA has been a long time and valuable stakeholder of the NOU; partnering with the Unit on numerous occasions including training of the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector on alternatives of ODS and best practices, the TPMP and the successful phasing out of CFCs and its current work on the HPMP.  In light of this, two members of the NOU; Mr. Javed Lakhan and Ms. Anastasia Gordon, attended the press conference in support of ARIA.

The EU Grant Funds were used to support the Re-training Session for the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector in good refrigeration practices. Training technicians in the industry is essential for the wise use and prevention of  the incidental release of refrigerants into the atmosphere.  ODS need to be safely recovered (not vented into the atmosphere) from equipment during maintenance operations by a trained technician through the use of recovery and recycling equipment. 

L-R: Mr. Kenneth Boodoo, President, ARIA, receiving grant funds from the Ms.  Arlene McComie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development and Ms Daniela Tramacere, Charge d'Affaires, EU Delegation.

EU Grant Fund Awardees including Mr. Kenneth Boodoo, ARIA (3rd from the left) with the Senator, Dr. the Honourable Minister Bhoendradatt Tewarie (4th from the right) and Ms. Arlene McComie, Permanent Secretary, both from the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development.

NOU takes part in EduFest 2012

In commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, on October 9^th, 2012  the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS) and Republic Bank Ltd hosted an awareness day to educate children about cancer and how to lead healthy lifestyles. EduFest 2012 was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, North Academy (NAPA).

There were several booths highlighting the various types of cancers affecting citizens. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) represented by Neera Singh and Anastasia Gordon attended and shared information on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer. 

There were a number of high schools and primary schools in attendance. These young people and their teachers were very enthusiastic and were well aware of ozone layer depletion and its effects. It was truly a pleasure to take part in this event.

Aerial view of NOU booth, Anastasia Gordon (right) and Neera Singh (left) interacting with a group of high school students

 

Anastasia Gordon interacting with a group of primary school students

Quiz Time! Anastasia Gordon and Neera Singh (NOU) testing students awareness of ozone depletion and its link to skin cancer

Key points to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation 
and prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Seek shade especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun.  
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. 
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.