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, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported Wednesday.

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 JIS interview.

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 said.

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

According to the director general, 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 health care, manufacturing, construction, mining, national security and border control, 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”.

— JIS