The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENT Minister Vaughn Miller said some businesses are illegally smuggling plastics into the country, prompting the need for greater oversight.

“The plastic ban came into effect January 1, 2020,” he told the House of Assembly yesterday. “The plastic ban is still in effect. These banned items are extremely detrimental to our natural environment and our human health and in some instances when left out of control they can lead to death. They were seen as being necessary for removal from society and from the waste stream.

“We have been made aware from concerned citizens that some businesses across the country have found ways to smuggle in plastic bags and styrofoam containers. In the coming days my ministry will double down its inspection efforts to ensure that any illegal item be removed from circulation and we’re asking persons, if you know of any such (activity), please call us.”

The Environmental Protection (Control of Plastic Pollution) Act, 2019 prohibits single-use plastic foodware and non-biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and biodegradable single-use plastic bags; prohibits the release of balloons; and regulates the use of compostable single-use plastic bags.

If convicted under the law, a first-time offender faces a fine not exceeding $2,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, $500 for each day the offence continues. A second or subsequent offence will be met with a fine not exceeding $3,000, and further fine of $700 for each day it continues.