An Antigua and Barbuda delegate has been elected co-chair of a key international environmental meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, according to Antigua News Room. The milestone came during the country's participation in the 15th Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.
The meeting, held June 23–26, was attended by two Antiguan representatives: microbiologist Laël Bertide-Josiah of the Department of Analytical Services, and Crown Counsel Nneka Nicholas of the Attorney General's Chambers. Nicholas was elected co-chair of the proceedings.
The working group concluded with the adoption of 19 decisions intended to guide work leading up to the 18th Conference of the Parties, scheduled for 2027. Bertide-Josiah participated in discussions focused on the environmentally sound management of hazardous and other wastes.
The adopted decisions addressed a broad range of issues, including the prior informed consent procedure, technical guidelines, national reporting, electronic systems for notification and movement documents, plastic waste, used textiles and textile waste, legal clarity, the Basel Convention Partnership Programme, and cooperation with the World Customs Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
The Department of Analytical Services stated that Antigua and Barbuda's participation reflects the country's continued commitment to international environmental governance and sustainable waste management through active engagement under the Basel Convention.
