Vice President Vincent Meriton chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday morning, 6th June in the absence of the President, at which a number of legal and policy memoranda were considered.

Cabinet approved for the removal of customs duty on all non-dairy milk alternatives.  Such  plant based products were previously subject to 25% duty.  This amendment will result in the need to create a national split under the customs management regulations to cater for non-dairy milk products.

Cabinet approved a policy for the training requirements of seafarers.  The aim of the policy is to ensure that any person who owns, works on or operates a watercraft shall be certified to do so and shall have the basic safety training.  This policy which will come into effect in January 2019 should improve safety at sea.

Cabinet also considered and approved action plans resulting from recommendations of the 19th Session of the UN Committee on the rights of persons with disabilities and the 77th session of the UN Committee on the rights of the child.

Cabinet approved parameters for the management and administration of the Children Special Fund.  The aim of the new practice is to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability.

Cabinet also approved policy on importation of single use plastic straws in line with the strategy to reduce the use of plastics in the country.