Strengthening national regulatory frameworks: the NPPOs of Suriname, Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts act

Between September and December 2014, the National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) of Suriname, Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts received support from the FFM+ programme to strengthen their knowledge and expertise in regulatory frameworks. This initiative focused on the mandatory registration and traceability of operators and the establishment of a risk-based operator classification system. Divided into six sessions, the training provided practical tools and key insights tailored to the needs of competent authorities from English-speaking Caribbean countries.

Outcomes and feedback from participants

The training enabled participants to pilot the classification of operators according to their risk profiles. This classification is a crucial step towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems in the region. By bringing them into line with international standards, these strengthened systems should promote agricultural and commercial opportunities.

Participant from the St Lucia NPPO:

“I understood a new aspect of managing a phytosanitary system that neither I nor my predecessors thought would be critical to our framework legislation. […] Integrating operator management into our legislation is the first step in introducing operator risk management in Saint Lucia. Undoubtedly, the support of COLEAD and professionals like you is helping to make this possible.”

Participant from St Kitts:

“The course on classifying operators according to their SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) risk profile, particularly in the context of St Kitts and Nevis, provided valuable insights and frameworks that can greatly benefit our local agricultural and commercial sectors. […] Understanding these frameworks will assist St Kitts and Nevis in aligning with international standards, thereby enhancing our competitiveness in future export markets […] The integration of digital technologies into SPS systems was emphasised throughout the course. Learning how to classify exporters and use management tools will streamline the risk-based registration process, making compliance more efficient and less costly in the long run. This is particularly important as global trade increasingly relies on digital solutions.

A proactive approach

This initiative demonstrates the importance of providing targeted support to digitally enabled competent authorities as they adapt to the evolving demands of global trade. By equipping NPPOs with tools for risk-based trader classification, COLEAD and its partners are helping to strengthen SPS systems and make Caribbean agricultural sectors more competitive and sustainable. As these frameworks are implemented, their impact should be felt in local and international markets.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.