Author: @JAV-turndev8

Beginning May 1, 2026, the Hazardous Substance Regulatory Authority (HSRA) will process all authorisation applications through its new interactive website.

The platform, accessible at www.hsra.gov.jm, was unveiled during the HSRA’s CEO Breakfast and Workshop, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday (March 11).

An agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the HSRA is mandated to regulate activities, practices, apparatuses, and facilities involving the use of ionising radiation and nuclear technology, in order to protect people, property, and the environment from harmful effects and related risks.

The entity also collaborates with government and non governmental authorities responsible for health and safety, environmental protection, emergency preparedness and response, security, and the transport of dangerous goods.

Addressing the breakfast and workshop, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, said the initiative is designed to reduce processing times, enable applicants to track their submissions in real time, and modernise interactions between regulators and the business community.

He further noted that the new website is intended to enhance the ease of doing business, increase transparency, and make regulatory engagements more efficient for Jamaican enterprises.

“Through this new platform, facility operators will be able to submit applications for import and export permits in coordination with the Jamaica Customs Agency, as well as apply for licences, permits, and registrations online,” Senator Hill said.

Acting Senior Director of Radiation and Safety at the HSRA, Colleen Nattie, explained that the new platform will serve as a central hub where authorisation holders, partners, and the public can access regulatory information, guidance documents, updates, and resources related to the safe use and management of ionising radiation sources and nuclear technology.

“The website reflects HSRA’s commitment to modern, efficient and accessible regulatory services, while supporting greater awareness of radiation safety across Jamaica,” she said.

Ms. Nattie added that the agency is collaborating with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to utilise their business gateway.

“One of the main features about this webpage is that you can track your authorisation through the process and, through this, we are hoping to move from a 45-day processing time down to 15 days,” she further stated.

The HSRA is responsible for administering the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, 2015, as well as the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations, 2019.

The Act applies to the possession, acquisition, production, manufacture, processing, transfer, development, handling, storage, import, export, or disposal of natural and artificial radioactive material, nuclear material, ionising radiation apparatus, and devices emitting ionising radiation. It also governs the construction of facilities that will use ionising radiation.

The Authority’s mandate is primarily focused on protecting people, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

The Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA) is intensifying its call for all facilities and professionals using ionising radiation to obtain official authorisation.

This is in keeping with national regulations and the push towards regulatory excellence in radiation safety.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on Wednesday (April 16), Director General of the HSRA, Dr. Cliff Riley, emphasised that authorisation is not optional but a legal requirement under Jamaica’s regulatory framework.

“No individual or facility should be utilising any form of ionising radiation without being authorised by the HSRA,” said Dr. Riley.

“It doesn’t matter what guidance may be provided by professional bodies or what’s done in other jurisdictions. If you operate in Jamaica, you must be authorised,” he added.

Dr. Riley shared that while Jamaica has made notable progress, surpassing the 50 per cent mark in authorised facilities after just seven years of regulatory operations, the goal is to reach at least 87 per cent authorisation across all sectors by 2027.

This authorisation confirms that radiation-emitting devices are functioning correctly, safety systems are in place, and both operators and the public are protected, he noted.

Dr. Riley said that currently, authorisation levels are encouraging in some sectors, with nearly all public-sector facilities now authorised and brokers involved in the import and export of radiation sources showing compliance rates above 96 per cent.

He said that the medical diagnostic sector also reflects high adherence, with approximately 84 per cent of facilities authorised and industrial facilities following closely at around 83 per cent.

The Director General highlighted, however, that the numbers are significantly lower in the dental and veterinary sectors, with only 26 per cent and 25 per cent of facilities authorised, respectively.

In this regard, he emphasised the need for immediate attention in these areas to ensure the same level of protection and oversight afforded in other sectors.

“While these numbers show real progress, we have a little over 500 facilities utilising radiation sources in their operations, but only a little over half of them are authorised. Our primary push is to ensure that the level of compliance increases significantly, and at just 50 per cent authorisation, the HSRA will definitely be taking steps during the financial year to commence the prosecution of entities who outrightly disregard the law,” Dr. Riley said.

He also reminded stakeholders that only the HSRA has the legal mandate to grant exemptions, and any facility that believes it qualifies must apply for formal determination.

Even in a case where a facility believes it may be exempt, it must still apply to the HSRA for verification.

No other organisation or professional body has the legal authority to make that determination.

Those facilities using ionising radiation sources, whether for medical, industrial, dental, or veterinary purposes, who are not yet authorised are urged to contact the HSRA to begin the authorisation process or confirm their compliance status.

Persons who need information on how to apply for authorisation may send an email to info@hsra.org.jm.

“We have a team of technical officers who will come to your office and go through the application process. They will sensitise you and your team and walk you through the process. We take what we call a graded approach, so we do not need entities to have it perfect. We don’t expect that facilities will have all their ducks in a row. We will work with you from where you are to ensure that you can become compliant,” Dr. Riley said.

“At the end of the day, the primary responsibility is to ensure that you’re utilising your radiation source in such a manner that is safe for you, safe for your staff, safe for the environment, and safe for members of the public,” he added.

Source: JIS 

With a solid framework, deep technical expertise and forward-thinking vision, Jamaica has established itself as the regional leader in radiation safety and security.

The country is leading the way for Caribbean nations and earning international acclaim for its efforts in the peaceful application and regulation of ionising radiation.

Central to this progress is the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), an agency under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce that is responsible for enforcing the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (2015) and its supporting regulations.

Since its establishment, the HSRA has not only transformed Jamaica’s domestic radiation safety infrastructure but is now playing a pivotal role in helping to build regulatory capacity across the region.

“We are proud to say that Jamaica has the most advanced independent regulatory body for radiation safety in the Caribbean. We have set the pace for other nations that are now following our lead, and we’ve been instrumental in helping them get started,” said Director General, Dr. Cliff Riley, during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’.

In December 2024, St. Lucia achieved a significant milestone by launching its independent regulatory body for radiation safety, with substantial support from HSRA’s team of inspectors and trainers.

“The Jamaican authorities provided hands-on support, training St. Lucia’s new regulators in inspection protocols, authorisation processes and international safety standards,” Dr. Riley informed.

He added that this is just one of many collaborations establishing Jamaica as the cornerstone of radiation regulation and technical support in the Caribbean.

According to the Director General, the HSRA’s leadership is not only grounded in experience but also in cultural relevance.

“The regulatory models from developed countries don’t always translate well in Caribbean contexts, hence our cultural norms and dynamics must be factored into how safety protocols are communicated and applied. That’s why it’s important that regional expertise, like what we’ve developed here at the HSRA, is leveraged to build sustainable systems,” he added.

With oversight spanning critical sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, mining, national security and border control, the HSRA ensures that any facility using radiation-emitting devices, whether a CT scanner, dental X-ray or industrial source, is compliant with rigorous safety and security protocols.

“While individual sectors may have highly trained professionals operating these technologies, you still need a neutral, expert regulatory body to ensure public safety,” Dr. Riley explained.

Consequently, he added, “our (HSRA) responsibility is to make sure all systems in use across the country are safe for operators, patients, the general public and future generations”.

Dr. Riley further emphasised that ionising radiation poses invisible risks, noting that, unlike other hazards, “it cannot be seen, tasted, felt or heard”.

“The effects may not manifest immediately, but can lead to long-term health issues, such as cancer or genetic mutations, underscoring the need for strict regulatory oversight,” he maintained.

Dr. Riley pointed out that the Authority’s work “is about the protection of people, the environment and of future generations”.

“That’s why we build deep technical capacity within our team and ensure Jamaica is not only compliant with international standards but contributing to shaping how those standards are applied regionally,” he stated.

Within just a few years, the HSRA has achieved significant milestones, with more than 50 per cent of Jamaican facilities utilising ionising radiation now authorized and sectors such as public health, medical diagnostics, and industrial applications demonstrating strong compliance.

As Jamaica strives to achieve at least 87 per cent authorisation by 2027, the Authority remains steadfast in ensuring that all facilities operate within the boundaries of the law.

“Jamaica’s leadership in this field is not just about policy; it’s about people. So, the HSRA is here to help to ensure that radiation technologies, which play a critical role in diagnosing disease, advancing infrastructure, and strengthening national security, are used safely and responsibly,” Dr. Riley informed.

He added that, “with Jamaica sharing its expertise across borders, lifting standards, building regional confidence, and helping to ensure that all Caribbean people benefit from the safe, secure, and peaceful use of radiation, there is hope for a bright future”.

Source: JIS

The safe use of radiation sources has become increasingly essential amid global advancements in medicine, energy, and technology.

At the forefront of Jamaica’s safety initiatives is the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA). The agency has evolved from a fledgling entity into a beacon of regulatory excellence serving not just Jamaica but the wider Caribbean.

Central to this transformation are three simple yet powerful pillars: capacity, competence, and capability.

Senior Director for Radiation Safety, Tracey-Ann Elliott, tells JIS News that when the HSRA was initially established, the administration quickly recognised the need for strategic investments, not just in tools and systems, but also people.

“At the start of our operations, we recognised the importance of identifying critical or key individuals who were working in the technical areas, such as healthcare and academia. Having identified those people, we brought them into the Authority and we trained them to be regulators,” she explains.

Additionally, the Senior Director says, “We… acquired essential equipment and built robust management systems to ensure that all the moving parts of a regulatory body could operate in sync.”

Those decisions are now paying off, as the HSRA has grown into a cohesive, technically sound operation, staffed by experts and equipped with the tools to make significant impacts.

With a multidisciplinary team in place, Mrs. Elliott says the next step was training.

She points out that after identifying knowledge gaps in areas such as nuclear security, emergency preparedness, and inspection protocols, the HSRA made significant investments in developing specialised expertise.

“That investment has been so successful that, today, we have members of the HSRA team who are classified as international experts, working with our international partners to ensure that we build out a strong regulatory framework across the region,” Mrs. Elliott tells JIS News.

Beyond training and staffing, the HSRA has invested in infrastructure that has been working over the years.

This includes the development of standard operating procedures, regulatory guides, authorisation manuals and inspection checklists, all aligned with international best practices.

“The agency has also created a comprehensive national register, documenting more than 500 radiation users and maintaining occupational monitoring records for all radiation safety workers in authorised facilities,” Mrs. Elliott says.

She noted that, as a young entity in an environment unfamiliar with regulatory frameworks, the agency quickly recognised the importance of public engagement.

Consequently, the HSRA has trained Radiation Safety Officers across Jamaica to collaborate directly with Facility Managers, Nuclear Gauge Operators, and Waste Management Professionals.

The agency has also partnered with key national entities, including the Ministry of National Security, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), and Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), to ensure seamless collaboration on diverse initiatives, ranging from emergency preparedness to the safe transportation of radioactive materials.

“We have also worked extensively with the University of the West Indies (UWI), through the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS), to ensure the safe operation of the region’s only research reactor,” Mrs. Elliott says.

To ensure sustainability in the future, the HSRA has rolled out its radiation safety programmes in secondary schools and is now working to simplify the curriculum for primary-school students.

“We are now actively seeing how we can simplify the curriculum to engage our primary-school students because we recognise that the future nuclear scientists, radiation safety officers as well as the health physicists in Jamaica will come from this next generation that is moving into that space,” the Senior Director shares.

Mrs. Elliott points out that as the first independently established regulatory body in the English-speaking Caribbean, the HSRA is also spearheading the development of a postgraduate programme in radiation safety, to be funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and delivered through the UWI.

“The intent is to provide training opportunities for radiation safety officers who will also work in the interim regulatory bodies of the region,” she further informs.

“The HSRA led the creation of the Caribbean Radiation Safety and Security Network, a regional regulatory forum with its secretariat at the IAEA, which is responsible for the exchange of knowledge and supporting the work of the regulatory authorities and the interim regulatory authorities for the region,” the Senior Director says.

As the HSRA continues to break new ground, Mrs. Elliott notes that “when we think about where we are and where we go from here, we understand, at the HSRA, that we’re not just regulators; we’re educators, we’re innovators, we’re partners, and more than all, we are guardians of Jamaica’s future”.

As the country continues to adopt more advanced radiation technologies in healthcare, construction, security, and manufacturing, the Senior Director encourages citizens to be vigilant.

“We stand by this principle and, in so doing, we say to the citizens of Jamaica, when you enter a facility that is offering imaging services for example, we ask you to look for the HSRA certificate, ask about the safety protocols and the systems and if the facility is authorised,” she underscores.

Mrs. Elliott adds, “The intent is to ensure that you are protected and that there are various protocols in place to ensure that when you have completed your imaging activity, no future issues could possibly arise as a result of systems not being in place.”

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, is calling for more local laboratories to get certified to international standard.

He noted that certification by JANAAC Global Accreditation, the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA) or the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ), signals to the global marketplace that the entities are operating at the highest level.

“Certification affirms your readiness to meet the highest demands in quality, ensuring Jamaica’s standing in international markets,” Senator Hill said.

“It’s not a requirement by law, but it’s a business requirement if you’re going to be internationally successful. Every lab in Jamaica worth its name and salt must get accredited… because unless your labs are at the highest quality, you will not be doing the kind of work that is accepted on the international market.

“When you consider that JAANAC will give you an accreditation that’s accepted by the Food and Drug Administration, it’s worth your business to do it,” the Minister pointed out.

Senator Hill was addressing the National Certification Body of Jamaica’s (NCBJ) certification ceremony at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Wednesday (November 13) to recognise the entity’s nine newest certified clients.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, emphasises a point while addressing the National Certification Body of Jamaica’s (NCBJ) Certificate Handover Ceremony at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Wednesday (November 13). The event was part of activities marking World Quality Week 2024, under the theme: ‘Quality: From Compliance to Performance’.

The event was in observance of World Quality Week 2024 under the theme: ‘Quality: From Compliance to Performance’.

During the ceremony, ISO 9001: 2015 certification was presented to the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Global Laboratory and Epidemiology Systems Strengthening Network, Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited and Trade Board Limited.

In addition, Complete Healthcare Solutions Limited received ISO 22000: 2018 certification, while Electrical Industries Group Limited, Dreampack Caribbean Limited (Trinidad and Tobago) and the Pouch Company (Trinidad and Tobago) were recognised through the National Certification Mark Programme and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification Programme.

Senator Hill lauded the companies on their achievements, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an environment where certified companies can excel in local and global markets.

“Our policies and partnerships support businesses in their journey towards certification, enhancing our economy and strengthening our global reputation. We encourage more companies to pursue certification and to also prioritise productivity, elevate profitability,” he said.

“I love Jamaica; we cannot get rich unless we are standing tall in international markets. So you will hear me constantly push that, and it’s necessary for us to comply and perform at that level,” Senator Hill added.

Manager, NCBJ, Navenia Wellington Ford, in her address, said the nine new clients represent companies in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

She informed that eGov Jamaica, the Overseas Examinations Commission and LNW Environmental Inc (Barbados) were previously awarded certificates.

“Achieving certification to international standard is no small feat. As we present these certificates, remember this is not just a recognition of where you have been, but a challenge to where you are headed. Certification is not the finish line, it’s the launchpad. It signals to the world that your company is serious about being the best, not just for today, but for tomorrow and beyond,” Mrs. Wellington Ford pointed out.

She urged the businesses to continue transforming the way quality is regarded, “not just as an obligation, but as an opportunity to innovate, inspire and excel.”

Sourcce: JIS

The new gamma irradiation machine to be installed at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) is expected to strengthen agricultural output, particularly for coconuts.

Director General of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), Dr. Cliff Riley, said the mutation breeding programme for coconuts will increase significantly.

“The irradiator should be at ICENS in a couple of months. Coconuts are one of the priority commodities, along with the entire food-safety push in terms of extending the shelf life of different commodities. We will be monitoring and ensuring that the necessary safety procedures and protocol are in place as these research projects are undertaken and implemented,” he told JIS News.

The gamma irradiation process uses Cobalt 60 radiation on plant material. It is proven to be a safe, reliable and highly effective tool for the sterilisation of food products.

Dr. Riley said currently, agro-processors are using UV (ultraviolet) treatment and the cold chain process to extend the shelf life of coconut water.

“But irradiating these materials using gamma radiation neutralises and controls the microorganisms that are present. We want to advance those aspects to see how the industry can develop faster and by extension increase trade, which would put Jamaica way ahead of the game with shelf life and how fast the industry can produce resistant strains for coconuts, so we can diversify the market,” he said.

The technology has also been used to successfully generate several positive mutations in crops, as well as for pathogen reduction and pest control in seeds.

Dr. Riley has estimated that within another six months the project should be launched.

“There will be significant monitoring to ensure that those commodities fall within the regulatory guidelines, as well as that level of research is able to be conducted with some level of autonomy, to transform the different sectors of the country, especially with a heavy focus on agriculture and training,” he said.

Gamma radiation can speed up the mutation process, which can play a critical role in securing climate-resilient crops on the island.

“I think we are at the onset of a drought now. We are seeing a reduction in the volume of coconut water. We are seeing quite a number of farmers complaining bitterly about the impact of the low rainfall happening at this point in Jamaica on crop production. The use of gamma-radiation technology creates opportunities for planting material to have more resistance to drought, pests and diseases,” Dr. Riley said.

The effort to incorporate the use of advanced technologies across multiple sectors is not an isolated effort.

Dr. Riley said this is a broad-based partnership with a number of local and international institutions involved, including the International Trade Centre (ITC), with particular emphasis on coconuts.

“There is major interest in coconuts. The market value has increased significantly over the past few years and there is significant revenue to be generated from the sector, which has been plagued by lethal yellowing disease and bud rot caused by a fungus that negatively impacts the productivity of the sector. It is a high-value industry and we have a strong market for coconut-related products,” he said.

Source: JIS 

The Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA) is urging facilities utilising equipment and material that emit ionising radiation to obtain the requisite authorisation.

This call comes from Director General, Dr. Cliff Riley, who discloses that of the total number of Jamaican entities that are engaged in activities involving the use of inputs emitting radiation, “just about 39 per cent are licensed to be in possession and use of those resources”.

Dr. Riley, who spoke during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s head office in Kingston, explained that “there is… a requirement by law for all users of ionising radiation sources to seek a grant of authorisation from the HSRA”.

Consequent on concerns related to the potential hazards and risks associated with ionising radiation if not properly managed, he urged facilities using these without authorisation to reach out to the HSRA to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements.

To do so, persons may call 876-632-4289 or send an email to info@hsra.org.jm.

“We have the technical competencies, and our team is readily available to… provide that level of technical support and a step-by-step guide, in terms of what needs to be done and the next steps to go through the entire process,” the Director General informed.

The undertaking is quite affordable, with the registration cost ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

“So we are encouraging persons within the Jamaican space, primarily [those who use] X-ray generators and radioactive materials, to go through the process of ensuring that their systems are in compliance,” Dr. Riley added.

Entities deemed in breach of the regulatory requirements can be fined up to $3,000,000.

Dr. Riley maintained that the Authority is not looking to restrict or close businesses, but rather to assist in ensuring that adequate safety measures, radiation protection protocols, and emergency response plans to mitigate potential hazards are in place.

The Director General also encouraged persons employed to facilities that have not yet been registered to reach out to the HSRA, “even if it’s just a matter of ensuring their own safety, as they [too] engage and use ionising radiation sources”.

For her part, Senior Director of the HSRA’s Radiation and Safety Unit, Tracey-Ann Elliott pointed out that as the Authority seeks to advance public health, “it is important that consumers are also knowledgeable about the risks that they face in utilising facilities that are not authorized”.

As such, she said it is imperative that consumers check to ensure that the facilities with which they do business “have that certificate of authorisation that indicates that the HSRA was on the ground, [and] is regulating and ensuring [your] protection”.

The list of authorised facilities can be found on the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s website at https://www.miic.gov.jm/content/hazardous-substances-regulatory-authority-hsra.

Source: JIS 

The Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA) is closely monitoring facilities that utilise ionising radiation materials in their operations, to ensure the highest standard of safety and regulatory compliance.

Addressing a JIS Think Tank on Wednesday (February 7), Director General of the HSRA, Dr. Cliff Riley, explained that while “the ionising radiation sources that we look at are not very high risk, they [can] pose some risk to human health… if they are not utilised effectively or if there is overexposure”.

As such, he said, the Authority has “put systems in place to regulate the various entities that are using ionising radiation sources, while ensuring the safety and reduction of unintended exposure to the different forms of this radiation”.

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people are exposed to natural sources of ionising radiation such as in soil, water, and vegetation, as well as in human-made sources such as X-rays in medical devices.

Ionizing radiation has many beneficial applications, including in medicine, industry, agriculture and research, and as its use increases, so does the potential for health hazards if not properly used or contained.

The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 2015 and Regulations of 2019 mandate the HSRA to protect people, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

To ensure that facilities remain compliant with the regulations, the HSRA has a team of inspectors who carry out frequent checks, whether planned or unplanned.

Dr. Riley is imploring entities to take proactive measures to implement best practices to safeguard their operations and the surrounding environment.

“We are encouraging persons within Jamaica who are utilising different ionising radiation sources, primarily X-ray generators and radioactive materials, to go through the process of complying with the regulations as enacted by law to ensure your facilities are duly authorised to be in possession of and use those sources,” he urged.

The General Director noted that compliance with the law and adopting best practices ensures effective use of the ionising radiation sources for socio-economic development.

He noted that ionising radiation is used in key industries such as agriculture, security and mining.

“Alumina companies play a major role in economic development and there are advanced technologies that these entities utilise to identify different sources of alumina and other essential minerals,” he pointed out.

For further information on the regulatory guidelines, persons may reach out to the HSRA by calling 876-632-4289 or send an email to info@hsra.org.jm.

Additional information can also be found on the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s website at https://www.miic.gov.jm/content/hazardous-substances-regulatory-authority-hsra.

Source: JIS 

The Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, wishes to advise stakeholders that importers and exporters of radioactive material and ionizing radiation-emitting equipment are required to possess a valid permit issued by the HSRA.

In accordance with the NSRP Act, 2015, effective April 14, 2020, persons wishing to apply for a permit must be holders of a valid authorization issued by the HSRA in the form of a license or registration.
Additionally, persons acting as brokers “to negotiate or arrange contracts, purchases, sales, or other means of transfer, of radioactive material, nuclear material, nuclear technology, ionizing radiation apparatus or radiation sources”, are now required to be registered with the HSRA.

The HSRA was established under the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (NSRP), 2015 and its attendant Regulations, 2019 which make new provisions for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionizing radiation and nuclear technology for the protection of people, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation; and for connected matters.