Mixed reactions to plastic ban
Yesterday, the Government announced that a plastic ban would begin on January 1, 2019. There would be a ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of specific categories of plastic packaging materials, including single-use plastic carrier/shopping bags, expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) and plastic drinking straws.
Some persons in downtown Kingston, including vendors, agreed with the idea.
A coconut vendor who wished not be named said that the ban does not affect him even though most of his clients would like to get a straw when they come to buy.
“What I have to do is tell them that I don’t have any straw. Some a dem people yah too boasy, and the worst part is that some a dem boasy people yah a throw the things (garbage) through dem window,” he said.
PROPER DRAINAGE
The vendor said that the Government needs to have a better cleaning programme that will lessen the chances of flooding when it rains.
“On a whole, they do not have any proper drainage collection and drain cleaning programme; that is the main problem. People dispose of it any and any way yes, but they need to collect it properly,” he said.
Eric Brown, who works with Kingston Wharves, said that he believes in the ban 100 per cent. He said the people need to be educated more and know about proper garbage disposal in order for there to be less flooding due to drain blockage.
“Even with the ban, people still a go throw things on the ground that will eventually wash up in the sea or in the gully. The Government needs to put out more in terms of proper garbage disposal,” he said.
“Look pan the likkle rain weh fall yesterday (Sunday), and if you see the amount a garbage weh deh pan the road, it is a shame. A the people a the problem, it’s not the Government. Dem need fi teach and educate the people so even though the plastic ban is in effect, dem need to do supm else because that alone nah stop the blockage” he added.