People in Fiji are going to be asked their opinion on the use of harmful chemicals.

The Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development, or FRIEND, is petitioning for the Regulation of Pesticides for Public Health.

Associated Director for FRIEND, Dr Jone Hawea says more needs to be done to ensure the safety of all those who come into contact with hazardous chemicals.

“There is very strong evidence of the linkage of pesticides with cancer and emerging chronic diseases especially affecting women and children. We have been hearing in the news and reading in the paper of these increasing number of cancer cases in Fiji. So those are big reasons why we want a regulation and these regulations have to be enforced on all forms of chemical pesticides.”

The petition is calling on the office of the Prime Minister of Fiji to set up a multi sectoral (inter Government Ministry) task force that will implement a framework for the regulation and enforcement of all forms of chemical pesticides.

It is also calling framework for the review and amendment of the Public Health Act, so as to include the regulation and enforcement of entry, registration, sales, and usage, application and food & water residue compositions of all forms of chemical pesticides.

The FRIEND foundation will campaign the petition around the country for a month and aims to present it to the Prime Minister on the 20th of November.