This is the inevitable result of your "able seamen" not being able but being landlubbers slotted into Government jobs.
I'm sure there are more than a few who serve via their love of the sea, as I once had aspirations to do, being of the requisite age when the RBDF was formed.
In that, as in any other civil service hierarchy, i'd probably still be swabbing decks!
I Laud the concept of the RBDF, but lament the competency.
The P.M's comment should be taken seriously. Those who would criticize his comments are no doubt those who would give every child an award regardless of accomplishments.

This is a perfect example of the well intentioned "government effort" going absolutely awol!
I will say the pollution aspect, the styrofoam toxicity when nuked to thermal runaway is accepted, even the trash in the oceans and our streets, and the land fill "natural incinerator that self ignites frequently!
but, plastic water bottles? Garbage bags? Large trash bags? How about plastic ketchup, mayo and peanut butter containers? Cooking oil gallon containers?
Zip lock baggies, freezer bags, ice bags, the list is endless!
By definition, plastic is single use until recycled!
How about enforcing and even elevating littering fines? Taiwan will whip you for spitting out chewing gum, that works!

WTO and Trade Agreements have in fact reinforced some Exclusivities (agencies) in supply chains in the Caribbean, grandfathered exclusivities that were in fact becoming irrelevant in this age of global connection and internet sourcing/shopping. This might well reverse itself in time.
Being largely dragged into the the modern world kicking and screaming from a very dark room provided by successive government administrations has not helped, so the learning curve is very steep. Too steep for many. The above two Gents have done some homework, many many others should follow suit !

Stupidest Idea i've heard yet, which basically is trying to cover societal negligence by fiat and tax.
It will not do a damn thing to correct the wrongs which have been increasing in this country since Majority rule and independence.

"“There is a critical need to address this most egregious deficiency in our social responsibility.""
This statement acknowledges societal and Governmental structural failure, but you cannot tax or legislate to restore it.
Penalties and due process of existing law can over time.

No action or law enacted ever has the intended effect, but always has un-intended consequences.
Rarely, if ever do they re-visit in 6 months, or ever to discover the mess they've made.

This will do nothing for reduced energy rates, only their bottom line net profits.
Meanwhile, their "Energy Rider Program" as it existed (and until suspended) did not compensate anyone with a private Alt energy system who back fed Kwh. Free to them power which they then sell to other customers at full pop. That program stretched Return on investment from 4 years to 24!
A national Energy program is needed but seems this lot can't figure it out.
Where does the also suspended national policy sit anyway?
Meanwhile, the country bleeds foreign reserves for black gold.
Typical.
No, we will remain dead last in Alternate energy development in the Caribbean for the foreseeable future.

No, our successive government administrations slept through the whole process since 2003, and kept the private sector in the dark.
Willful darkness i might add, on the part of the private sector.
God forbid anything change around here.
"those who need change, have not the power or money to change anything,
Those who have the power and money,
want nothing to change"
This is the consequence of collective stupidity, greed and corruption.

The industry aught to question why anyone would hire foreign workers over local.
Work for less money? Better work ethic? Higher skill set? Is hiring locals complicated by so many "subcontractors" (barely qualified) who distort the labor pool?
Hiring foreigners require housing, trans, permit fees, untold other expenses (unless we are talking about Chinese workers......)
still, using permit fees to protect workers is going away under WTO anyway.
(EU-EPA, Carib-Can, etc)

This bunch professes intent to fix the country but is digging in the same hole as all the rest!

And why on earth would Walmart enter such a small market when this same small market brings Probably close to a billion IN CASH and deal with shipping freight and taxes without them leaving their stores? (we loves us some cash and carry!)
(Bahamians spent in excess of 2.11B in Florida in 2010 if I recall the numbers correctly)
Further, Bahamian businesses are already buying wholesale from Walmart, Sams Club, Costco
etc etc.
As to the WTO, Bahamians by and large will not wake up to shifting sands until their navels are wet! I hope they can swim!