The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has made the first tangible move toward achieving its Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).
Last Friday, Minister of Environment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, journeyed to Nevis to participate in a ceremony that marked the export of the country’s first shipment of baled, recycled plastic bottles.
The 40 foot container left the Long Point Landfill on 17th May, 2024.
While this shipment, destined for the Dominican Republic contains 80 bales, it is a requirement that no less than 44 bales be sent in future shipments.
Offering remarks during the ceremony, Dr. Clarke highlighted the financial and technical support for the initiative provided by the government of Taiwan through the International Corporation and Development Fund (ICDF). She also noted the importance of collaborations and partnerships in driving the success of recycling initiatives and fostering community engagement.
Since its inception in June 2021, the recycling programme has aimed to impact the environment positively by reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and mitigating pollution.
“Between 2021- 2022 the programme recorded 6,424.3lbs/3.2 tons while between 2022-2023, it recorded 73,492.3 lbs./37 tons demonstrating the practical results of the project in reducing plastic pollution and a steady increase in eco-friendly practices within the Federation,” said a press release from the government.
According to Minister Clarke, her ministry is pursuing other areas of expansion, improvement, and innovation.
These include:
• The implementation of Phase 2 to include recyclables such as cardboard and paper
• Increasing recycling collection points to span each community.
• The introduction of a household collection program.
Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, H. E. Michael Lin, expressed his support for the initiative and voiced the hope that the initiative can be expanded to other countries in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The ceremony was hosted by the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Nevis Island Administration, the Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, and the St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corporation.
The project aims to reduce environmental waste in the federation and promote eco-friendly practices through recycling and encourage behavioural and attitude changes with a view to environmental conservation and sustainability.
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