September 20th, 2018 -- The official Coordinator of this year’s International Coastal Clean Up, Miriam Knorr, has called on authorities to consider imposing fines and enacting legislation that will stop the use of single plastics.
Over 300 volunteers in Nevis participated in the 26th International Annual Coastal Clean Up hosted by the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and held on Saturday, September 15, 2018. The volunteers cleaned 26 beaches.
“Plastic is the biggest culprit,” she said. She believes if persons damping litter in bushes are fined there will be a change of behavior. She said most of the litter is derived from shoreline and recreation activities as well as businesses.
Knorr who has coordinated the event for decades on the island of Nevis spoke after a successful Coastal Clean Up held on Saturday, September 15 from 7.00 a.m to 12.00 noon.
“On the whole, we had a great Clean Up and when laws are enforced, we will have a better year next year,” she stated.
During the Throne Speech at the opening of the Nevis Island Assembly in February this year, the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley, said his administration would seek to implement a ban on plastics and foam goods.
“This is a regional and global trend that is emerging and we have seen similar approaches in nearby Antigua and Barbuda. This effort will be done in consultation with stakeholders but is intended to ease the considerable environmental damage that plastics and Styrofoam causes to our island particularly our oceans,” Premier Brantley said.
The Acting Director, NHCS, Ms Pauline Ngunjiri said the society appreciates the Premier’s commitment to see the ban on plastics become a reality.
“We are encouraged by that this commitment was expressed during the Throne Speech. The NHCS will work closely with stakeholders to push for a plastic free Nevis. Several countries in the region are using taxes, bans and technological innovation to restrict the production and consumption of plastic bags. The countries have passed or are drafting laws to eradicate single use plastics,” the Acting Executive Director, NHCS said.
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