Antigua and Barbuda is hosting officials from eight Caribbean territories this week for a workshop aimed at strengthening nuclear material inventory reporting under the modified Small Quantities Protocol.
The weeklong training, held at the Trade Winds Hotel, is organised in partnership with the US Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Programme and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Speaking at the opening, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr Clarence Pilgrim, said the workshop is “timely and essential”, noting that even states with little or no nuclear material must meet international non-proliferation obligations.
He said the sessions will help countries develop the technical skills needed to produce accurate nuclear inventories and submit reports to the IAEA.
Delegations are participating from St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Suriname, the Bahamas, Grenada, Belize and Antigua and Barbuda.
Officials say the training will support the region’s efforts to meet the requirements of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol, which underpin global nuclear security.
