BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH St. Kitts and Nevis’ Earth Week Committee making a push in 2016 for the use of recyclable bags, this year it is looking to have the government develop a policy surrounding the use of plastic within the Federation.
Ambassador Jonel Powell, who was leading the charge, told SKNVibes that the committee has started preliminary discussions on what would be on the agenda for 2017, noting that they are going to follow-up with some of what they would have implemented last year.
“In terms of trying to use less plastics and use recyclable bags, we are trying to push the government to take a stance in terms of a national policy on best practices, when it comes to the use of these products,” Powell said.
Making reference to Antigua and Barbuda, the Ambassador indicated that they are unaware of whether or not the government would take a similar position and impose a ban on the importation of plastics.
But, according to Powell, what they are doing is advocating for “what is in the best interest for St. Kitts, the economy and for the generations to come”.
And as a result, they have taken the issue up with the government, with whom the final decision lies.
“It is up to the government at the end of the day legislate or make these decisions…
“What we want to encourage is more public participation; we are but one group… We want to educate the public first which is what we started last year and we think we got quite far in terms of education. And we are going to the public, in a position to really drive that force as a support in the call for these initiatives.”
Should St. Kitts and Nevis venture down the road of banning the use of and or the importation of plastic, it would join a number of other countries in the region such as Antigua and Barbuda which implemented that ban along with a ban on Styrofoam containers.
According to the Committee, Earth Day activities offer an important platform to address worldwide environmental concerns, while creating opportunities for individuals and communities to focus on their local environmental problems.
Earth Week activities surround World Earth Day which is commemorated on April 22nd.
