Name: Danielle Andrade

Age: 28

Academic background: LLM, Environmental Law and LLB.

Organisation: Jamaica Environment Trust (JET).

Responsibilities: I am JET’s legal director and manager for the Law and Advocacy Programme. Provides free legal advice and representation to individuals and communities affected by environmental and public health issues ranging from pollution to illegal developments. Advocates for enforcement and the reform of environmental laws, arrange workshops to educate communities about their rights, and develop publications and material about environmental law to build awareness and understanding.

Years in the sector: Five

Reason for service to the sector: Growing up I was always drawn to nature and while studying law, I focused my interest on environmental issues. I was intringued by how lawyers in other countries used the law as a means to protect the environment and to guarantee people’s right to live in a clean and healthy environment. I was also disappointed by the lack of attention paid to environmental issues in Jamaica. For me, this is an exciting and personally rewarding career because I work with a lot of marginalised communities. Ultimately, I want to work to change people’s perceptions and attitudes and to see “the environment” on the top of the government’s priorities list.

Preservation tip: Be aware about how much energy you use at home, at work and by driving — and try to use less.

Danielle Andrade 2 cap:

This is an exciting and personally rewarding career because I work with a lot of marginalised communities