WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Sociaal Economische Raad (SER) supports efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics on the island, but warns that the current legislative proposal contains major legal, economic and practical shortcomings that could make enforcement difficult.
The warning appears in an extensive advisory opinion on a draft amendment to the National Ordinance on Public Order, introduced by opposition party MAN-PIN, which seeks to ban certain single-use plastic products.
According to the SER, the proposal represents an important first step in tackling litter, marine pollution and environmental damage affecting Curaçao’s coastlines and public health.
However, the council stressed that any ban will only succeed if affordable alternatives are widely available and businesses are given sufficient time to adapt.
The SER stated that the current proposal still lacks clear legal definitions, consistent regulations and a realistic implementation strategy. It also warned that government agencies currently have limited enforcement capacity, which could make practical oversight problematic.
The council therefore recommends introducing a transition period of approximately twelve months before any ban takes effect.
During that period, the government should focus on ensuring alternative products are available, organizing public awareness campaigns and supporting businesses through the transition process.
The SER concluded that while the objective of reducing plastic waste enjoys broad support, the legislation in its current form requires substantial revisions before it can responsibly be implemented.