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"id": 201655,
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"speaker_name": "Mr. Odoyo",
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"content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for enlightening me on Clause 35(1)(a). Indeed, I concur with what you have said. But l repeat that many of our lawyers, whether they are High Court Judges, are arts-based. They are experts in history, economics, geography, religion, et cetera, but as preliminary subjects. Few of them have expertise in the delicate world of physiological sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, et cetera . Therefore, I question whether putting such a person to chair such a Board would be the best thing. That is because he or she will be charged with the responsibility of determining heavy and strict scientific issues. The chemical formation of DNA, for example, has about 190 chemical formulas and processes. That is going higher and higher to thousands as we pursue the gene beyond DNA. We need someone who fully understands the delicate task of science, biology, chemistry, physics, nuclear and astro-physics, et cetera, to chair the Appeals Board. I, therefore, appeal to the Minister to consider that matter. He should have it done the other way round. The lawyers should be members of the Board. But the chair should be a well-known scientific expert. If I were to envision that Appeals Board, there will be a lot of chemicals being floated here and there. There will also be many formulas, technical jargon and language. Therefore, if we have a chairperson who does not understand a single word about that--- I appeal to the Minister to really consider having a technical person to chair the Appeals Board of that particular Authority. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, since time is of essence, may I just make my last comment on one small clause. That is on Clause 55(1). It says:- \"The Authority shall promote public awareness and education of the public and those conducting the activities subject to the Act, concerning biosafety matters, through the publication of guidance documents and other materials aimed at improving the understanding of biosafety.\" I would like to appeal to the Minister that, indeed, the first public awareness should come through the school system. They should try to incorporate many of those issues through the school system. Those in schools who are interested in research could be aware of those issues at a very October 3, 2007 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 4317 early stage. The Bill assumes that the general public will be made aware. But I am assuming that there is a particular scientific-oriented community that we must also target. They include those at the universities and high schools. Research and education of this particular Bill should be implemented partly through the curriculum that is undertaken by all the students, particularly those in the universities. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those humble remarks, I beg to support this important and essential Bill in today's world."
}