PHILIPSBURG:--- Single-use plastic items are increasingly becoming hazardous to our environment and daily lives. As an important global and local issue, the Government of Sint Maarten has recognized the need to take action to protect the environment and the lives of those residing on the island. Consequently, the Government – via various ministries – has established an inter-ministerial workgroup to ensure proper development of an action plan and the synchronization of governmental resources in addressing this important issue. Thus far, the workgroup has been instrumental in organizing a number of activities for the coming months, starting with the first phase of their project; which is geared towards sensitizing the public and raising awareness as it pertains to single-use items. Another important item on the agenda was meeting with other prominent environmental NGO’s/organizations and forming partnerships. Subsequently, the workgroup met last Thursday 28th November, with representatives from both the Nature Foundation and Waste2Work to foster a more collaborative effort in addressing and reducing plastic on the island. The main objective of the meeting was to share information and ideas for the second phase of the project, which will be a pilot project launched during the 2020 carnival season. For more information, as a company or individual on how you can get involved by donating or participating in the 2020 Carnival Single-Use Plastic Project, contact ms. Hickinson at the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations via telephone number +1721-542-2999 ext. 2895.
