NEGRIL, Westmoreland

Environmental studies teacher at the Mount Airy Primary and Infant School in Negril, Westmoreland, Pamela Daley, is attributing the school’s victory in this year’s staging of the annual Rockhouse Hotel Green Challenge Competition to hard work.“I am elated because we have worked hard. The students had worked assiduously for this day. And today (last Thursday) we are happy that we are winners,” said Daley.It was a similar sentiment from grade six student and captain of the quiz team, Jordane Drummond, who pointed out that team members would come out as early as seven in the mornings for practice.“We came here with the intention to win and because of our preparation we have won. I am feeling very happy. We know we were going to win and the outcome shows that we have studied and we have prepared for this,” said Drummond, who is also the school’s head boy.The ninth staging of the competition, which was held at the Negril Branch Library last Thursday, saw eight schools in Negril and its environs participating.The quiz was based on environmental awareness and conservational practices, with Mount Airy Primary and Infant School scoring 16 points to 13 for Revival All-Age School in the finals. Third place went to Little Bay All-Age School.Revival All-Age, for their efforts, received $10,000 towards their school fund and a trip to Dolphin Cove, while the winners received $15,000 towards their school fund and a trip to Kool Runnings Adventure Park in Negril.A trophy, which will be displayed at the Negril Branch Library, was also presented to Mount Airy Primary.Daley told the Jamaica Observer West that her school is fully aware of the issues surrounding the environment.“We are very cognisant of the environment and the environmental issues of which we spend quality time ensuring that out environment is clean,” stated Daley, who added that the school currently has an ongoing recycling project.Meanwhile, Little London Primary was awarded $5,000 for the most outstanding and imaginative creation in a separate recycled art competition.Environmental manager at Rockhouse Hotel, Ruel Rowe, said the competition, which is aimed at boosting the environmental awareness of students at the primary-school level in the Negril community, has become a popular feature on the schools’ calendar.Rowe added that the competition, which was conceptualised in 2009 when the hotel achieved its Green Globe certification, will continue.“I see the quiz going on because the majority of the kids going to school now; they will one day graduate and seek employment in the hospitality industry which is what Westmoreland is known for. So, in preserving the environment, it will ensure that there is some form of economical viability whenever they leave school to gain employment,” Rowe explained, adding that, “the whole sustainability of Negril and the resort areas is basically in the hands of the youth”.