Remengesau introduce new biosecurity measure

In a letter to Senate President Surangel Whipps he said the bill will upgrade Palau’s quarantine laws to help keep pests and invasive species from entering the country and damaging the environment and the economy.The  Biosecurity Act of 2008, the president said will expand the country’s ability to receive produce and other goods safely from the trading partners and that the goods coming to Palau are safe as well.“Out current law on this matter is inadequate to properly protect Palau from the damage that can come from the introduction of such pests as fruit flies or taro blight,” Remengesau said.The new bill will set up permitting , inspection and entry/export requirements for animal and plant products coming into and leaving Palau.The new system will be handled and operated by a new biosecurity service which will consist of present quarantine officers.The new law will give them expanded powers and will contain increased penalties for violators.The president said the bill is part of an effort by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to harmonize biosecurity laws.He said that a model law was drafted for Palau and has been modified to fit our legal and governmental requirements.“The goal of this project is to improve every Pacific nation’s ability to protect itself while creating a safe environment for trade among the islands thrive, ” he said.