The Government of Anguilla recently agreed to the formation of a working group that will guide the development of a national plan of action and implement the process toward the prohibition of Single Use Plastic Shopping Bags, Single Use Utensils and Polystyrene Foam containers, commonly referred to as Styrofoam containers on Anguilla. So far, Antigua, Dominica, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have declared or implemented similar prohibitions.
The Anguilla working group, a team of Government Agencies and Statutory Bodies is chaired by the Director of the Environment Mr. C. André Samuel. According to working group, “the phasing out of single use bags and plastics is a deliberate action to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated on the island and a step in the right direction for Anguilla’s Waste Management.” The major activities that will emanate from the process will include the drafting of appropriate legislation for the prohibition and national Focus Group Meetings.
A Single Use Plastic ban for Anguilla will alleviate the pressure on the island’s solid waste management resources, its marine environment and overall cleanliness. The agreed date for the total phase out of the importation and use of single use plastic shopping bags, styrofoam and plastic single use utensils is March 2019.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
