Opposition calls for delay of ban on plastic bags

The Opposition People’s National Party is calling for the government to delay the implementation of the ban on single-use plastic bags and move expeditiously to implement an islandwide public education and awareness campaign to sensitise Jamaicans ahead of any such move.

Spokesperson on Land and the Environment Senator Sophia Fraser Binns argues that this is even more urgent in light of the concerns from stakeholders about what will happen come January 1, 2019, when the ban takes effect.  

According to her, there are concerns about the consequences of the ban; implications for continued use of these banned products; approved alternatives to these banned products; and cost implications for small and medium-sized businesses.

Fraser Binns said 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 levels. 

She said the opposition is, therefore, urging the government to allocate the required resources and funding for this initiative.

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