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NEPA Continues Islandwide Clampdown On Single Use Plastic Bags

Published Date: February 19, 2020

Since January 2020, thirty-seven companies and individuals have been brought before parish courts for breaches of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition- PPM) Order. Of the thirty-seven matters mentioned, twenty-five businesses pleaded guilty and were convicted which brings the number of convictions to date under the Order to twenty-five.

On February 6, Family Delight Restaurant was brought before the Corporate Area Parish Court and fined $25,000.00 or 30 days imprisonment. Additionally, Kidtopia Limited, who had previously pleaded ‘not guilty’ changed their plea to “guilty” and was fine $20,000.00 or 30 days imprisonment.

Happiness Supermarket and Wholesale Limited, Wo Xian Zhu Supermarket Ltd. and Win Superplus Supermarket Limited all pleaded guilty in the St. Elizabeth Parish Court on February 12. The court imposed a fine of $20,000 or 10 days imprisonment at hard labour on each defendant.

On February 14, 2020 Nicholas Chin/Urvill plead guilty before the Manchester Parish Court and was fined $15,000.00 or 10 days imprisonment.

Enforcement Coordinator, NEPA, Rochelle Afflick says, “the Agency has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the prosecution of breaches under the Order. The Government has invested in robust enforcement activities that have been complemented by public education efforts since the commencement of the ban in January 2020. Accordingly, we will continue to utilize the full remit of the law to prosecute businesses and individuals that disregard the Orders.”

Breaches of the PPM Orders can be reported to NEPA by calling 876-285-8531, 875-754-7540 or toll-free 888-991-9005 or email policyonplasticban@nepa.gov.jm.