Ban on single use Plastic ‘Scandal’ bags, Plastic Drinking Straws 2019
As of January 1, 2019 the Jamaican government will impose a ban on the use of single Plastic ‘Scandal’ bags and Plastic Drinking Straws and the importation of Expanded Polystyrene Foam food containers .
The aim is to protect the environment which is already overly polluted.
#BringYourOwnBag-Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Opposition Calls For Delay Of Ban On Plastic Bags
Senator Sophia Fraser Binns – File photo
Published:Friday | December 28, 2018 | 5:23 PM Jamaica Gleaner
The Opposition People’s National Party is calling for the government to delay the implementation of the ban on single-use plastic bags and move expeditiously to implement an islandwide public education and awareness campaign to sensitise Jamaicans ahead of any such move.
The Opposition Government Spokesperson on Land and the Environment Senator Sophia Fraser Binns, urgues the government to delay the ban due to concerns from stakeholders about what will happen come January 1, 2019, when the ban takes effect.
According to Fraser Binns, there are concerns about the consequences of the ban; implications for continued use of these banned products; approved alternatives to these banned products; and cost implications for small and medium-sized businesses.
The opposition government believes that more time is needed before the ban is implemented, and as a first step, there should be an extensive public education campaign at the community and national levels.
She said the opposition is, therefore, urging the government to allocate the required resources and funding for this initiative.