Gov’t Intensifying Plastic Ban Monitoring and Enforcement
By: , February 11, 2019The Key Point:
Photo: DONALD DE LA HAYE
(FILE) Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, addressing the House of Representatives on February 5. Listening are: Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Mike Henry (left, front); St Mary South East Member of Parliament, Dr. Norman Dunn (left, back) and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. Hon. Floyd Green.The Facts
- The Government has, since January 1, 2019, embarked on phased implementation of the ban on plastic bags of a specified dimension and thickness, plastic drinking straws and expanded polystyrene foam products, used in the food and beverage industry.
- “My colleague, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), will continue to strengthen the country’s waste management infrastructure and regulatory framework,” Mr. Vaz added.
The Full Story
The Government will be intensifying its plastic ban monitoring and enforcement activities in the coming weeks.
This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on February 5.
He said monitoring will be spearheaded by the relevant regulatory entities, including the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA), and Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ).
“I take this opportunity to reiterate my invitation to the public to submit any queries, suggestions or comments regarding the implementation of the ban on single use plastics to policyonplasticban@nepa.gov.jm or call 876.285.8531,” Mr. Vaz further stated.
The Government has, since January 1, 2019, embarked on phased implementation of the ban on plastic bags of a specified dimension and thickness, plastic drinking straws and expanded polystyrene foam products, used in the food and beverage industry.
Mr. Vaz indicated that while the change to a cleaner Jamaica may be disruptive, it is a necessary part of protecting the land and marine environment.
He further emphasized that while the ban will serve to mitigate some of Jamaica’s waste management challenges, “it is not a panacea”.
“My colleague, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), will continue to strengthen the country’s waste management infrastructure and regulatory framework,” Mr. Vaz added.