KINGSTON, Jamaica – The multi-stakeholder working group established to investigate the use and disposal of plastic packaging materials in Jamaica and its impact on the environment, held its first meeting yesterday at the Environment and Risk Management Division of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

The group is chaired by Dr Parris Lyew Ayee Jr, with secretariat support provided by the Recycling Partners of Jamaica Limited and will specifically examine the management of plastic bags as well as a ban on Styrofoam containers, a release from the ministry said.In October 2016, the Senate passed a motion tabled by Senator Matthew Samuda, calling for a ban to be implemented on a phased basis on single use non-biodegradable plastic bags below the 50 gallon capacity, and all finished goods manufactured from Styrofoam, as well as curtailing the production of these items unless they are bio-degradable.The committee, which was constituted following the passage of that motion is charged with the preparation of a framework document for presentation to the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic growth and Job creation Daryl Vaz.This report would take into consideration the financial implications of the phased implementation of the ban, a review of the necessary legislation to be enacted or amended, as well as the regulations to be drafted. The report will also propose a list of alternatives for the items to be banned, and will include a detailed implementation plan.At yesterday’s meeting, the committee discussed the way forward which would involve canvassing all stakeholders including the public and private sectors, and civil society for their views, and conducting studies on the impact to the economy, the manufacturers, importers and the environment.Separate environmental and industry committees were formed during the meeting, along with a policy committee that will examine the recommendations of the overall working group. The group is expected to complete its work by the end of August 2017. Recommendations contained in the report will be presented to cabinet for consideration and tabled in the Houses of Parliament.