The Government of Saint Lucia is implementing a framework to regulate the use of genetically modified organisms—so said Jannelle Gabrielle, officer in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology while addressing the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

GMOs, as they are commonly called, are organisms (living things) whose genome has been engineered in a lab in order to produce desired biological traits, like making them more resilient to frost and drought, or resistant to bugs and parasites.

Gabrielle said that biotechnology, which is used to create GMOs, may provide a number of benefits for the country.

“We are looking to safe, modern bio-technology as a way of finding more efficient ways to produce food,” she said, also noting that there are possible risks to human health and the environment which need to be considered.

“There are socio-economic risks which involve the changes in costs, and the practices of farmers which can result in the loss of their traditional knowledge and their traditional practices. There are also agricultural environmental risks where one farmer is growing organic crops and another farmer growing a genetically modified crop, then there’s a risk of contamination.”

Gabrielle adds that bio-safety ensures that all risks are considered, and encouraged public participation so as to determine what is best for the country with regard to the use of genetically modified crops.

Saint Lucia signed onto the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-Safety in 2005. This protocol provides guidelines for the safe use of GMO’s and biotechnology.