Jamaica has officially launched its Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), becoming the first Member State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to establish an independent regulatory body to ensure safety and security in the operation of facilities involving ionizing radiation and nuclear technology in the country, including the Caribbean's only nuclear reactor — the 20 kW SLOWPOKE research reactor.
The Authority is responsible for administering the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 2015, a comprehensive act covering nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as civil liability for nuclear damage. The Act provides a basis for Jamaica to implement the relevant international legal instruments adopted under the auspices of the Agency. The Act was developed with support of the IAEA through its legislative assistance programme.
HSRA is also responsible for implementing the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations of 2019, which were supported and reviewed by the IAEA. Together, HSRA and the legal and regulatory framework will provide assurances for the protection of workers, the public and the environment as the application of nuclear science and technology continues to broaden in areas such as nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and irradiation facilities.
“Having now fully established the framework and regulations, Jamaica and Jamaicans remain safe while we leverage the benefits of the ionizing radiation and nuclear technology,” said Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
The launch of HSRA constitutes the culmination of a multi-year process, starting with the Authority’s establishment in December 2016, beginning operations in September 2017 and issuing regulations in 2019.