Leading by example and bringing Government’s sustainability agenda directly to Grenada’s citizens, Hon. Kerryne Z James, Parliamentary Representative for St John and Minister for Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy, spearheaded a major marine and coastal clean-up initiative in her constituency.
This vital effort, which was embedded in St John’s Golden Jubilee and Fisherman’s Birthday Celebrations, emphasises commitment to environmental stewardship and community participation in honour of World Oceans Day on Saturday, 8 June 2024.
The event, held on the scenic shores of The Lance in Gouyave, saw enthusiastic participation from residents, fishermen, certified divers, and volunteers who came together to remove debris and pollutants from the marine and coastal areas.
Minister James expounds that “as a Small Island Developing State/Big Ocean State, and more specifically, as a rural community that relies heavily on the fishing industry, our survival hinges on the health of our oceans. We must not only clean up our shores but also foster an enduring culture of environmental responsibility among our communities. The effort is testament to what we can achieve together, and a reminder of the ongoing need to protect these precious resources.”
The day’s activities focused not only on cleaning but also on celebrating the rich marine life that supports the livelihood of many in the constituency. Through hands-on involvement, residents saw firsthand, the impact of pollution on their environment and were motivated to maintain and advocate for cleaner, healthier oceans.
Stemming from a series of initiatives led by Minister James, this reflects a long-standing commitment to environmental education and community empowerment.
The innovative Blue Schools project, recently launched on the fringes of the 4th Small Island Developing States Conference in Antigua, is one way that Minister James highlights her commitment to carrying out these efforts, and making sure that they are felt in the official settings of our educational system.
This project, valued at approximately US$350,000, is part of the overall blue economy development strategy and will ensure that young Grenadians grow up with a deep understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship. It also aims to maximise the long-term economic benefits of our marine resources while protecting them.
An initial phase will include training for secondary school teachers to better understand the content and the existing tools for delivering the programme.
This will include marine-related subjects in:
- Coastal zone management
- Fisheries science
- Oceanography
- Environmental economics
A UNESCO specialist will provide the training in collaboration with our local partners, WINDREF and the Ministry of Education.
As it moves forward, the ministry emphasises the importance of public education and awareness campaigns to re-educate citizens about their critical role in sustaining our island’s environmental health and prosperity. The involvement of every sector of society is crucial as we strive to protect our natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for all Grenadians.
Minister James expresses tremendous gratitude to the partners whose support was instrumental in the activity’s success, namely:
- The US Embassy in Grenada
- Republic Bank
- Coca-Cola
- Team at the Ministry of Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy
- The Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority
- Staff of the St John Parliamentary Office
- Gouyave Improvement Committee
- The Fishers, schools, and constituents of St John
Ministry of Climate Resilience
Good to know; compliments to her that she is continuing the drive spearheaded by the previous Parliamentary Representative Hon. Alvin Dabreo. During his tenure the NNP Govt. had a team of Environmental wardens assigned to keep the beach and coast clean. This was done as part of that administrations concern for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. That is why they employed permanent wardens and had an active periodic debushing programme. it was not just a one-time publicity stunt so as to be seen to be doing something to benefit the wellbeing of the community.