Basseterre, St Kitts - With the topic of single use plastic being discussed at the National level, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Liamuiga were updated on the progress made by the Department of Environment at its weekly meeting on Wednesday 3rd April 2024.
Mr. Derionne Edmeade, Director of Environment spoke candidly with the Rotarians about the impact of plastic on the environment, plans to ban importation and the distribution of some single-use plastic items by November 2025.
He advised the business professionals that the conversation has already started with stakeholders including the Ministries of Tourism, Finance, Customs and Excise and retailers, which is being supported by several educational campaigns about the conversion from plastic shopping bags to reusable ones.
He indicated that the ban will be done in three (3) phases.
Phase One (1) would consist of the ban on importation of t-shirt shopping plastic bags by December 31st 2024, and ban on distribution on March 31st 2025.
Phase two (2) would see the ban on the importation of styrofoam and plastic straws on April 30th 2025, and the ban on distribution on July 31st 2025
Phase three (3) the ban on the importation of plastic cups, plates, bowls, and plastic cutlery on August 31st, 2025, and ban on distribution on November 30th 2025.
Mr. Edmeade called on the Rotarians to continue to play their part to protect the environment; offering practical and simple home and office solutions to reduce their dependency on plastic products further highlighting the importance of reusing and recycling plastic products where possible.
The presentation formed part of the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting environmental awareness and coincides with Rotary International’s global focus on the environment in the month of April.
Picture – Mr. Derrionne Edmeade, Director of Environment speaking to Rotarians about the Single Use Plastic