State Minister Says Government Firm On Protection Of Environment

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, says the Government is firm in its protection of the environment to achieve sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Youth for Sustainable Development (Y4SD) 2019 Conference, at JAMPRO in St. Andrew today (September 27), Mr. Terrelonge cited the imposition of a ban on single-use plastic bags, straws and polystyrene as a clear commitment to ensure that young people will benefit from current economic development that is sustainable.

The State Minister told the forum that there is a policy for a “protected zone” around the Cockpit Country, where there can “be absolutely no mining”.

“This is how we are going to protect our environment for you, the next generation,” he said.

Mr. Terrelonge also underscored that protection of the environment must be the business of young people, by playing the role of environmental advocates.

He said the youth must give greater focus on renewable energy and recycling, and to everything to protect the environment.

Mr. Terrelonge pointed out that a number of the policies that have been implemented are geared at better management of the green and blue economies.

“We have to be concerned with the future that we leave for you. That is something that you too must be concerned with, because you want to ensure that your voice is heard advocating for sustainable development,” he said.

The State Minister said the youth must have an interest in “life-changing issues” and should understand and scrutinise what is done by their elected officials.

He encouraged his audience to help in preserving a future where development and sustainability work for them, adding that “we are able to have a prosperous future without compromising our natural resources”.

The two-day event is being held under the theme ‘See the Road to 2030: Vision 2030 – Partnership, Purpose, Prosperity’.

Y4SD is a non-profit movement of young professionals who take pride in supporting the sustainable development of Jamaica, in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Vision 2030 National Development Agenda.