In 2011 I read for a B.Sc in chemistry (major) and Analytical chemistry and Biochemistry (minors) followed by a M.Sc in Forensic Science specializing in Chemistry in 2016 at the University of the West Indies ( St.Augustine & Mona respectively) . After being exposed to the analysis pesticide residue after taking on a post as an analytical chemist and having numerous discussions with my former lecturers the late Prof. Dasgupta, Dr. Paul Maragh and Dr.Raymond Reid the decision to delve into the uses and degradative fates of selected neonicotinoids utilized in Jamaica. I decided to pursue an M.Phil in Chemistry in 2019 under the supervision of Dr.Paul Maragh and Dr. Reid. Neonicotinoids, some of which are banned in other parts of the world due to being implicated in being toxic to insects such as bees are still being imported for use in Jamaica for both crop protection and insect control such as termites.

 

There are seven pesticides which fall under the neonicotinoids category including Imidacloprid, Thiacloprid, Acetamiprid, Clothiazine, Nithiazine, Nitenpyram and thiamethoxam. According to the Pesticide Control Authority (PCA) Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid and Thiamethoxam are the most used in the Jamaica currently. Research on the use of Neonicotinoids has been reported throughout the world, however, all these countries experience temperate seasons unlike those in the Caribbean region. This study aims at gaining a better understanding not only on how these pesticides operate but also how they can affect a tropical ecosystem in the long run.