Dr. Ferguson Calls for National Conference on Global Warming

Opposition Spokesman on Health and Environment, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has suggested that a national conference be held on global warming.
“Outside of rising oil and food prices, no other topic today occupies the minds of governments throughout the world like global warming. In Jamaica and the Caribbean, there is a growing consciousness in relation to the impact of global warming on the respective national economies, agriculture, infrastructure, health, coastal zone, sea levels, tourism, energy policies, weather patterns, and the intensities of storms and hurricanes,” he said.
Making his presentation in the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House on July 8, Dr. Ferguson said that a series of national consultations should begin on the topic, involving academia, private sector, churches, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, political leaders, and others.
On another matter, the Opposition Spokesman said he is pleased that the Child Development Agency (CDA) is up and running and that the Children’s Registry is now a reality, with the Child Care and Protection Act forming a foundation to protect the children.
He also suggested that there is an urgent need for a national trauma hospital facility, combined with a national forensic and DNA laboratory, a public morgue, and a national trauma and violence prevention and social rehabilitation centre.
Dr. Ferguson said that solving crime demands a scientific approach, adding that this is an indispensable part of the equation for solving the crime in this country.
“The Opposition supports this initiative, Mr. Minister (Rudyard Spencer), and will work with you and your Ministry as you lead the development of this proposal for a comprehensive approach to crime prevention, involving the input of the national medical/scientific community,” he said.