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VI Gov’t to ban single-use disposable plastic bags & containers

- via Plastic Litter Reduction & Container Deposit Bill
In an effort to protect the environment as well as reduce littering, the Government of the Virgin Islands will be introducing legislation during the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) to ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, containers and bottles. Photo: Internet Source
The Plastic Litter Reduction and Container Deposit Bill will be introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastics; promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives through economic incentives; reduce beverage container litter along roadsides, ghuts, coastal and marine areas, and on other public or private properties; and to also encourage recycling. Photo: Internet Source/File
The Plastic Litter Reduction and Container Deposit Bill will be introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastics; promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives through economic incentives; reduce beverage container litter along roadsides, ghuts, coastal and marine areas, and on other public or private properties; and to also encourage recycling. Photo: Internet Source/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- In an effort to protect the environment as well as reduce littering, the Government of the Virgin Islands will be introducing legislation during the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) to ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, containers and bottles.

This was revealed during the Speech from the Throne delivered by Governor John J. Rankin CMG at the First Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, today, Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

According to Governor Rankin, the Plastic Litter Reduction and Container Deposit Bill will be introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastics; promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives through economic incentives; reduce beverage container litter along roadsides, ghuts, coastal and marine areas, and on other public or private properties; and to also encourage recycling.

Importation ban

Additionally, Governor Rankin said the Bill will prohibit the importation manufacture, sale and distribution of food and beverage service-ware made of non-compostable plastic as well as single-use disposable plastic bags that are non-biodegradable.

“The Bill will also grant exemptions from import duty on all disposable plastic bags and food and beverage service-ware made of biodegradable or other compostable material.

“It will also establish a recycling fund for the collection and disbursement of the proceeds of a levy on prescribed items,” Governor Rankin said.

The Speech from the Throne, written by the Government of the Day, highlights the legislative agenda of the Government of the Virgin Islands in addressing the needs of the public during the upcoming Session of the House of Assembly.

28 Responses to “VI Gov’t to ban single-use disposable plastic bags & containers”

  • Real Simple (18/01/2022, 14:33) Like (21) Dislike (30) Reply
    People will complain but I glad to see it. Pass by any ghut or drain and you bound to see a bunch of plastic and stryofoam...
  • freedom (18/01/2022, 14:36) Like (5) Dislike (41) Reply
    Nobody ain't vote for no governor around here, and from which throne. Lucky for these kind of people that the masses remain blind.
    • Real Simple (18/01/2022, 15:10) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      The Speech from the Throne is compiled from all the Permanent Secretaries of each Ministry. The Governor just reads it.
    • Silo (18/01/2022, 16:39) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Tell me you don’t know how BVI government works without telling me
  • @Freedom (18/01/2022, 14:55) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Did you really read and comprehend the article? The VI government will introduce legislation ....... The governor cannot make laws. St Vincent and some other Caribbean countries already did this. We are behind in introducing this law. This is to protect the environment. Educate yourself!
  • brilliant (18/01/2022, 15:04) Like (23) Dislike (8) Reply
    This is absolutely brilliant and anyone that disagrees is purely being selfish, there is no future in our world for this garbage - it simply has to go and it’s about time the BVI caught up on its environmental initiatives. Hurrah and well done to those involved in making this happen.
  • BUT... (18/01/2022, 15:48) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Isn't there a similar Act that was passed by NDP government a few years back? If so, we need ro know what laws we have already and inforce them!
    • @ BUT... (18/01/2022, 19:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was about to ask the same question. At that point in time plastic bags were banned and reusable bags were introduced.
      • @ @BUT (18/01/2022, 20:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        There was some talk but don't think it was a law. Rite Way took it upon themselves to ban plastic bags. Other supermarkets didn't really ban it although they encouraged you to use reusable bags.
      • Curious (19/01/2022, 08:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        There was a voluntary ban that different companies signed on to. It was started by a NPO that Dylan Vanterpool started. The only company that signed up and honored the deal was Supa Valu...
  • fantastic (18/01/2022, 15:51) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is a great move. No downside. Build in some small enforcement mechanisms.
  • Heap a nonsense.. (18/01/2022, 16:02) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    Everything the outside world tell us to do we do...Same with Covid...We have so many other plastic stuff in our market....We need real leaders...Why they always trying to stop us from living and enjoying our life...
  • Karen (18/01/2022, 16:39) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    How about first banning those useless paper masks that are littering our island everywhere?
  • WOW (18/01/2022, 17:03) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    OK thank's
    Let's fix the dump too
  • about time (18/01/2022, 17:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tote bags is the way to go.
  • Crs (18/01/2022, 18:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your gonna trust the water machines are maintained?
  • Crs (18/01/2022, 18:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Going to ban to go food containers and the household trash bags sold in stores. Baggies? Plastics forks?
  • yeah (18/01/2022, 20:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE FLEXING NOW
  • please (18/01/2022, 22:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS INCLUDES THE GREEN BAGS FROM ONE SUPER MARKET AND THE BLUE AND YELLOW ONES FROM THE OTHER. They are PLASTIC, and misleading as they look like a hessian or similar. Stop their use too please, completely unnecessary. Yes they’re recycled but they’re imported in from elsewhere and we can’t deal with them
  • APB (19/01/2022, 05:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great idea. However like many other legislations, once a few people start to complain it will be shelved.
  • Lb (19/01/2022, 09:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Those plastic bags are not single use. Everyone in the Caribbean uses this bags as trash bags, to out our kids lunch containers in, for storage, as shower caps, put fruits in etc after we get them from the stores. They have many uses and are not discarded after we get them.
  • concerned citizen (19/01/2022, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Importation ban

    *Additionally, Governor Rankin said the Bill will prohibit the importation manufacture, sale and distribution of food and beverage service-ware made of non-compostable plastic as well as single-use disposable plastic bags that are non-biodegradable.*
    I want to see this on happen. That would be totally awesome! But are they going to demand the manufactures to stop putting products thats imported in non-biodegradable packaging? That's millions of companies. Let me wait and see.
  • No problem (19/01/2022, 11:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I ban plastic bags a long time ago. I have a few tote bags I keep in the trunk of my car. You can use them for everything and they are washable. I hate plastic bags.
  • Yes Please (19/01/2022, 13:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Once those 16 ounce water bottles and styrofoam containers are banned I will be a happy man. They account for 90% of the litter by the road side and in our ghuts, especially the water bottles. You want to litter, try driving around drinking out of a gallon and throw that out your window….people are just too damn nasty.
  • WEW (19/01/2022, 15:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They did this years ago and it wasn't enforced
  • please (19/01/2022, 15:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Would someone make some cloth bags that could be washed i would be so happy to purchase three of diffetent sizes
  • Trust Me (19/01/2022, 15:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would be happy to take my plastic bowl to the food stalls for my take away . I prepare my drinks at home also my smoothies.


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