The deadline for the ban on single-use petro-based plastic bags from January 1, 2020, will now take effect from April 1, 2020.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey made this announcement last night, as he addressed the 30th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony of Ocean Fisheries at Mahogany Ridge.
Minister Humphrey said, “The manufacturers in Barbados of single use plastic bags have over the last year…been able to produce a bag that is made from a completely organic compound…a natural organic bag. They asked me, and the Cabinet agreed, to delay the ban on the plastic bags from January 1, to March 31. The ban will take effect from the April 1, 2020.”
However, he sought to make it clear that this did not mean Government was “reneging on its promises”. “That is to allow the manufacturers of plastic bags in Barbados to be able to do what they have to do,” he explained, making reference to the switch over from one process to another. (BGIS)
