BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said the ban on Styrofoam beginning June 1, 2014 could prove useful to Guyanese entrepreneurs, who could possibly look at producing alternatives to that material.
Persaud made this statement during the second round of stakeholders’ consultations on the ban of Styrofoam held at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Monday.
“When we talk about the ban, it is not to take away anything, but rather a step to give our people more opportunities but also gives them a healthy surrounding,” Persaud added. Both economic and employment opportunities could be created.
Minister Persaud said it will provide an opportunity to the cottage industry, to produce cardboard boxes that were used many years ago in Guyana.
The environment minister said while the ban may evoke negative feelings, it is important that it is implemented.
“We must also be mindful of the consequences on public health and also how these measures and steps can allow us to help us to improve and enhance our environment,” he asserted.
It was also agreed that more needs to be done to enhance the public awareness campaign, to ensure greater compliance.
Comprehensive approach
Persaud noted that a comprehensive approach is expected, as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will have to also play their part in ensuring that there are no loopholes.
Reference was also made to the new litter regulations which is currently being drafted and is expected to be tabled in Parliament for approval.
Persaud said these regulations will also see litter wardens placed all over the country, to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali lauded the initiative to ban Styrofoam, noting that it contributes significantly to solid waste, which continues to be a major tourism issue.
Ali said the approach between the two ministries is to ensure that there is less garbage, especially when it comes to Styrofoam.
Garbage in the city and other parts of the country continues to be an eyesore and could cause the achievements made in the tourism sector to backpedal.
Meanwhile, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) President Clinton Urling said there are many reasons the ban should be implemented. While noting that the food service industry is likely to be affected most by the ban, the GCCI president said that there are many alternatives to Styrofoam.
Urling owns a food business which is one of the few companies in Guyana that have already transitioned and is now using biodegradable materials.
However, he urged government to work towards enhancing its public awareness campaign to inform businesses of the ban in advance.
Tax waiver
Urling also suggested that a three to six month waiver of taxes should be given to businesses to make the transition from Styrofoam to biodegradable materials.
He added that plants could also be set up in Guyana to produce these materials, moving away from having businesses import them. But he noted that the ban on Styrofoam will not reduce littering, rather it will take a cultural change to bring an end to that issue.
