Burnt Savannah Primary Wins Clean School Competition

Burnt Savannah Primary School in St. Elizabeth won the inaugural National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Clean School competition regional finals, which was held at the Mandeville Hotel on June 6.
More than eight displays were on show, featuring appropriate uses for converted waste material, as well as cultural performances by eight participating schools. The event was held under the theme: ‘Transforming the environment through our youth’.
Regional Operations Manager for Southern Parks and Markets, Glenroy Soltau, in declaring the event opened, noted that it was critical for persons at all levels of the society to become more environmentally aware.
“Proper waste management techniques have to become the mainstay of modern society and that is why we have launched this competition, which we know in the long term, will make a serious difference, especially among the youth,” he said.
Mr. Soltau encouraged the students to do their best to preserve the natural beauty of Jamaica.
Following the announcement of the regional winner, Principal of Burnt Savannah Primary, Bernal Neil told JIS News that he was extremely happy with the outcome.
“Our achievement is just the tip of the iceberg as I am currently in the process of establishing a three-year solid waste programme, which has a number of different levels,” he said.
Mr. Neil thanked the personnel from the NSWMA for the strong support that they had given to the school. “I have to commend this entity as we now have in place an excellent partnership, which can only serve to create a more healthy atmosphere for all our students and teachers,” he said. Head Girl at Burnt Savannah, Kabrina Robinson was also very upbeat about the significant milestone.
“It was a lot of work for us and we first got involved by doing a lot of craft items from waste materials, such as candle holders. I find that the school is much cleaner and healthier as a result of our activities. The NSWMA is doing a wonderful job in helping to teach us how to care for the environment,” she said.
Other schools which participated include; Mount St. Joseph Preparatory, which was adjudged parish champion for Manchester; Marlie Hill Primary, St. Peter and Paul, Mandeville Primary, and Bull Savannah Primary.