Vaz calls for Jamaicans to support single-use plastic ban

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz is calling for a buy-in into the Government’s ban on single-use plastic by manufacturers, householders and distributors.

“What we need is cooperation at all levels and, most importantly, let us think about the future generation that is coming, and leave Jamaica a better place for them environmentally,” Vaz told a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) on October 31.

He emphasised that the impending plastic ban is a “game-changer” for the way Jamaicans live and operate, adding that the Government is working assiduously to ensure a seamless implementation of the ban.

“Nothing works perfect… . We are going to ensure that we do our best for the smoothest implementation of the single-use plastic ban, effective January 1, 2019,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Senator Matthew Samuda said the Government understands that the impending plastic ban requires a cultural change.

“We are taking action to ensure that Jamaica is a leader in waste management and environmental protection, and this is something all Jamaicans should get behind and feel proud of,” Samuda said.

He argued that in order for the Government to change the culture of Jamaicans exorbitantly using plastic, significant public education must take place in schools, homes, and businesses annually as the country endeavours to improve its waste management.

For his part, Chief Executive Officer of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Peter Knight, said there has, so far, been tremendous support from stakeholders, and that NEPA has established a hotline and email address for the policy on the plastic ban.

Knight said the agency is pleased with the efforts being made to achieve the ban by January 1, 2019.