Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

VI moves to ban Styrofoam, single use plastics

- AG gets instructed to draft requisite laws
The Virgin Islands Government has in recent months been pushing for a greener environment and will soon see the ban of Styrofoam materials and single use disposable plastics, among other non-biodegradable products in the Territory. Photo: Internet Source
VI to ban import of Styrofoam products. Photo: Internet Source
VI to ban import of Styrofoam products. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Recognised internationally as the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’ and one of the premier tourist destinations in the sun-lit Caribbean, the Virgin Islands (VI) government, has in recent months been pushing for a greener environment and is now making moves that will soon see the ban of Styrofoam materials and single use disposable plastics, among other non-biodegradable products.

The formal decision was taken during the November 14, 2018, meeting of the VI’s Cabinet—chaired by Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert—where the policy to reduce plastic waste was accepted and adopted.

The 'Cabinet Decisions' were released yesterday, November 23, 2018, by the Government Information Service (GIS). 

Prohibit Importation!

As a result, Cabinet has since decided that “measures be taken to prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale or distribution of disposable food and beverage service ware made from polystyrene (Styrofoam) and other non-compostable plastics, as well as single-use disposable plastic bags that are non-biodegradable.”

Increased Plastic Water Bottle Tax!

The Ministers and Governor also agreed that that biodegradable, eco-friendly, alternative products, be exempted from import duties for a period of five years.

Additionally, the Cabinet agreed to impose a levy on the importation of plastic water bottles to be paid into a recycling fund and that a deposit-refund system, be created for single-use beverage containers (i.e. cans and bottles) as a monetary incentive for recycling or reuse.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development will now instruct the Attorney General’s Chambers to draft the relevant legislation for a subsequent debate and passage.

6 Responses to “VI moves to ban Styrofoam, single use plastics ”

  • E. Leonard (24/11/2018, 11:45) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Environmental preservation and protection and tourism (1/2 of economic twin pillars) must take place/work together like hand in glove. Our pristine waters is a major draw for both bareboating and land-based visitors. Nonetheless, its pollution will drive them away. There must be a practical and reasonable balance; the environment must be protected while creating the opportunity to draw visitors. Others issues that must be addressed include the dumping of trash/garbage into the pristine waters and dumping of raw sewage into the sea. The BVI cannot just ban these activities. It must put facilities in place to facilitate these activities, ie, pump out stations, garbage barges, sewage treatment plants on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada......etc. Moreover, banning non-degradable plastic cups, plates, bottles, forks, knives, styrofoam......etc protect the eniviroment, protect turtles and other marine life while creating a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
    • Easy. (24/11/2018, 12:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ok. This is an easy one that takes no courage .No balls. How about the labour law that cannot protect workers especially in disasters. How about the labour law that allow employers to send workers home for 3 months without a dime and upon.their return they are let go. These Ungodly things R what need fixing urgently
  • STTBVI (24/11/2018, 12:07) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let’s just do it!
  • Good idea but.... (24/11/2018, 12:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    We tried it with plastic bags and we're right back where we started.
  • Mark (25/11/2018, 06:24) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Eff all this. Pure talk.
  • NezRez (26/11/2018, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just ban all of it! Why does this need rocket scientists to figure this out? Just stop the import of these things and set up recycling centers for glass, cans, aluminum etc. Gee wiz. I could run this program and I am not one of the critical thinkers. Come on BVI, get off your butts and get this into operation.


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.