The ban on the sale and usage of Styrofoam food service products here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be implemented as of January 31, this year.
On May 1, 2017, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines imposed a ban on the importation of Styrofoam food service products.
Following the imposition of that ban, a grace period of 90 days was allowed for any Styrofoam products ordered before May 1, 2017 to be imported, and businesses selling and utilizing Styrofoam food products were given until January 31, this year, to dispose of any such products in their possession.
In an Interview with WEFM News this morning, Director of Trade, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce, Okolo John-Patrick said this ban on the use of Styrofoam food service products is necessary because of the harmful effect of Styrofoam on human life as well as the environment.
Mrs. John-Patrick said environmentally friendly alternative food service products have been sourced and are now readily available.
She noted that so far, they are seeing that restaurants, other food establishments and persons who sell food to the public in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are seeking to comply with this new law.
The Director of Trade said that after January 31, 2018, anyone caught breaking the law will be liable to a fine of EC$5,000 and or 12 months in prison.
