Nine St James businesses fined $180,000 for plastic ban breaches
ST JAMES, Jamaica – Nine St James business establishments were each fined $180,000 for breaches under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority’s Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition Order when they made an appearance in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.
The nine establishments were charged for twelve offences committed in September.
Reports are that during a certain period in September, the businesses were observed in possession of commercial quantities of drinking straws attached to juice or drink boxes and single-use plastic bags.
The plastic items were made wholly or in part of polyethylene or polypropylene plastic with dimensions of 24×24 inches, and with a thickness of less than 2.5 mils.
The charges were laid during operations carried out under the ongoing Operation Restore Paradise, a collaborative effort amongst several Government partners, which includes the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
If one is found guilty of breaching the Order, they may be fined up to $50,000 and/or a term of imprisonment.