Education Minister Calls for More Green Spaces in Communities

KINGSTON — Minister of Education, Hon Andrew Holness, has emphasised the need for more protection of the environment and for the creation of more green spaces for communities.

"We know that children who grow up in areas that are well greened in trees and flowers, and grow up with animals tend to have a milder attitude, they tend to work together, they are more caring and more willing to take care of others, and their surroundings,” Mr. Holness said.

The Minister was speaking on October 7, at a tree planting ceremony, held at  National Heroes Park, in Kingston, to observe National Tree Planting Day.

"Parks and recreational areas are important for community development, for social development and for building relationships,” the Minister argued.

Mr. Holness pointed out that there will be a streamlining of environmental education within the school programmes, to build further awareness of protecting the natural resources.

"Within the school system, we have several projects spread all around. But we intend to streamline environmental education in the school curriculum,” he added.

The Minister said he is very concerned about the environment, as it is not an infinite asset, and can be depleted and destroyed.

“Although there may be ways to renew the environment, in some instances, if we are not careful we can lose the environment. It is the greatest asset that any country has, and Jamaica is, indeed, blessed with a diverse environment,” he said.

The Minister told the gathering that the Ministry had partnered with an organisation to establish a playfield at a section of the National Heroes Park, and it has been accommodating children from communities where political differences have kept adults apart, but the children frolic at the area without incident.

"This area is bordered by four constituencies, and they don’t always see 'eye to eye'. But on the playground they are one. We have never had an incident, we have never heard of a fight,” Mr. Holness said.

National Tree Planting Day was conceptualised in 2003 by the Forestry Department, as a public education and awareness initiative, geared towards engaging islandwide public participation in the agency's reforestation programme.

By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter