The Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, through the National Ozone Unit within the Department of Environment, has advanced its commitment to the Montreal Protocol by hosting a dedicated week of activities for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technicians to support drafting the 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 (𝗛𝗣𝗠𝗣).
The engagement held 2–6 February, commenced with a briefing at the Ministry’s Secretariat between Mrs. Kolene Lathem, National Ozone Officer, National Consultant Mr. Tom Baby and the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment. Discussions focused on the Federation’s current hydrochlorofluorocarbons (𝗛𝗖𝗙𝗖𝘀) status under the Montreal Protocol, and the deliverables, expected outcomes and road map towards the phasing out of Hydrofluorocarbons (𝗛𝗙𝗖𝘀) substances which once replaced HCFCs as a better environmental alternative.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
-Protects our environment by reducing harmful gases that damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change.
-Supports our Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) by promoting cleaner, more efficient cooling technologies.
-Strengthens the RAC sector through training, standards, and better long-term planning for technicians and businesses.
-Safeguards key sectors such as fisheries and tourism, which depend on reliable and sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning.