Delay plastic ban, says PNP

After giving its support to the Government's legislation to ban certain single-use plastic and Styrofoam products, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is now advocating for a delay in the implementation that is days away.

Shadow Minister of Land and the Environment Senator Sophia Frazer Binns is calling for an islandwide public-education and awareness campaign to sensitise the public ahead of any move to replace the popular plastic products.

"This is even more urgent in light of the concerns from stakeholders about the lack of knowledge of what is to happen come January 1, 2019, when this ban takes effect," she said.

In September, the Government announced the ban on some single-use plastic bags, straws, as well as all Styrofoam products, which includes importation, manufacturing, and distribution.

Frazer Binns said that the Opposition 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 level among shop owners and operators of businesses.

The shadow minister said that she is concerned that the Government has not utilised the time effectively in informing and educating the public about this very important action and wants the Government to do more to inform and get the support of the people before full implementation.

Frazer Binns says that the Opposition is in full support of the ban and believes that this is a major step towards protecting the environment but noted that it must be approached with much more seriousness.