Bursting the plastic bag project

THE EDITOR: Sir, with reference to an article written by Fr Peter De La Bastide in the Newsday of 9-08-03, on the negative effects of the profusion of plastics on our eco system, he quoted the Irish Government as having imposed taxes on the use of these bags, which eventually raked in millions to institute recycling programmes, beneficial to the environment. He later said that he clearly remembered the Supermarket Association being responsible for a plastic bag project, which was apparently short-lived. What is noteworthy here is the fact that the Irish Government effected their plans in 2002, but SATT’s project was implemented in 1997. It must also be made clear that it was the Irish Government that spearheaded the plans. Apparently, the SATT had this plastic project well under way with scores of people coming forward to manufacture these reusable bags, and up to today these bags are still being sold at market venues (more employment). But the crux of the matter is, what caused the failure of the project? Since I headed the project along with Bally Maharaj and Anthony Proudfoot, I am qualified to let the public know how it fell through.

Mr Mervyn Assam, the then Minister of Trade, never wanted or intended to help fund the programme, although we pleaded with him that this should be a joint effort. He never once cooperated with SATT. But we continued an aggressive campaign to the point where we introduced a 25 cents charge to every customer who did not return with their reusable bag which was originally given free of charge by supermarkets. This 25 cents was to be given to needy organisations. Then came the final blow by Mr Jerry Narace, at the time the owner of three Budget Foods outlets. Who announced at a press conference that the Supermarket Association members were attempting to rip off consumers, and that his outlets would not be charging for these plastic bags. Customers fumed, and the project met its demise. So, Fr De La Bastide, we as Trinbagonians have vision and ideas, but our politicians are the most arrogant in the world; they are the most destructive species in the country. The Irish Government has succeeded where we have failed, simply because our government and so-called leaders are all individualistic by nature. All Government ministers must understand that development is a cooperative effort. It must benefit the country, and must not be a forum for individual status.

DOODNATH MAHARAJ
Arima